Back
13.09.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #TSGB04: Werkself "express preparation" after international break

For the Werkself, attention now turns to the forthcoming challenge in the Bundesliga following the international break. Bayer 04 are away to TSG Hoffenheim on matchday three on Saturday, 14 September (kick-off: 1530 CEST). Ahead of the clash at the PreZero Arena, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the short time to prepare, the opponents and his own squad.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We are happy that all our players have returned from international duty fit and well. We don't have much time now but that's the normal dynamic," declared Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. Following the international break, today's training session will be the first and the last where the Spaniard has his whole squad available. Alonso therefore talked about the need for "express preparation" on the training ground.

Despite the short amount of time, there is great anticipation both amongst the players and the coach. Alonso: "We're happy to get going again. We'll face a good opponent. The last two matches against Hoffenheim were tight (3-2, 2-1, ed.). It will be a tough and difficult match. We have to be organised and in control – with the ball and above all without it. We need the highest possible level of concentration for the whole game and that was missing against Leipzig (2-3, ed.).”

Alonso on reunion with Hlozek and his team news

Like the Werkself, Hoffenheim have started the new Bundesliga season with a win (3-2 against Holstein Kiel) and a defeat (3-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt). Andrej Kramaric did score a hat-trick against Holstein Kiel and another goal against Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition to the on form Kramaric, the recently transferred Adam Hlozek adds strength to the TSG attack. Alonso said about Hlozek: "We are happy to see him again so quickly. Of course, we know him well, he's a battler and has a good shot. At Hoffenheim he is now in a good situation and he will get a lot of time on the pitch."

Alonso also had positive news about his own players: "Jerry (Jeremie Frimpong, ed.) is with us tomorrow. Pala (Exequiel Palacios, ed.) is making good progress.” Frimpong left the Netherlands squad early during the international break for personal reasons. Alonso also talked about Nordi Mukiele: "He trained very well during the international break and made best use of the time. He has a good attitude and more and more understands our system and our style of play."

call from NK12: "everyone to sinsheim in the jersey"

The Werkself can look forward to outstanding backing tomorrow. Bayer 04 are expecting 4,000 travelling fans to make the journey to TSG. Bayer 04 have taken up all the away allocation. The Nordkurve12 fan group has called on all fans making the journey to Sinsheim to wear the Werkself jersey.

Related News

crop_GettyImages-2283951623.jpg
Bayer 04 - 30.06.2026

World Cup blog: Flekken’s Oranje knocked out – Quansah makes World Cup debut

The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.

Show more
Onyeka und Culbreath
Youth - 29.06.2026

U19 European Championship in Wales: Culbreath and Onyeka start in opening victory

A goal-fest to kick off the U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany defeated Denmark 4–3 in their first Group A fixture. Both Montrell Culbreath and captain Francis Onyeka were in the starting line-up, with the latter scoring the first goal of the game from the penalty spot on five minutes.

Show more
Emma Owen
Youth - 28.06.2026

From Bayer 04 to FC Utrecht: Chigozie Owen moves to the Eredivisie

Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.

Show more
BayArena
Bayer 04 - 26.06.2026

New seating at the BayArena amidst refurbishments

Renovation work has been underway at the BayArena for several weeks now as part of the stadium’s routine refurbishment after 17 years. More and more of the new folding seats – which, from next season, will provide significantly greater comfort and make it easier to move between rows – have now been installed. The new high-quality seats have now been fitted throughout the entire east stand, giving the BayArena a new lease of life.

Show more