Back
14.03.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #VfBB04: ‘Associate intense and emotional games with Stuttgart’

The final game before the international break takes Bayer 04 to Swabia. Ahead of the away game at VfB Stuttgart on Sunday, 16 March (kick-off: 19:30 CET), head coach Xabi Alonso talked about an "emotional" clash with last season’s runners-up and also provided an update on his squad.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"Win, draw or lose – we approach every game the same way and always prepare as well as we can," said Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. Asked about the run of three defeats, the Spaniard added: "It's the same pressure before every game in this phase of the season. Also because our aim is always the same: We want to win every game."„

That is the approach for the clash with VfB Stuttgart, currently 16 points behind the Werkself in eighth place. Alonso on Stuttgart: "We will face a very good opponent who we associate with tough, intensive and also emotional games. I like those sort of games and I'm expecting a similar one on Sunday. For me they are one of the best teams in Germany with a very good coach and a clear approach to their game."

Trio INCLUDING Hermoso sidelined

In addition to Jeanuel Belocian, Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz, now Mario Hermoso, Edmond Tapsoba and Nathan Tella are also ruled out of the game against VfB Stuttgart. With Hermoso, who suffered a shoulder injury in the second leg against Bayern Munich, "it's still not clear how bad the injury is. There are more tests that couldn't be made because he is still experiencing pain."

Live on DAZN and Werkself Radio

The match between the runners-up and the champions of last season will be broadcast live on DAZN and Werkself Radio. 3,200 fans are expected to get behind the Werkself in the away end at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.

Related News

Culbreath und Falkenberg
Bayer 04 - 25.06.2026

Pro contract until 2031: U19 international Montrell Culbreath signs new deal with Bayer 04

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.

Show more
Piero Hincapie
Bayer 04 - 25.06.2026

Purchase option activated: Hincapie completes permanent move to Arsenal

Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.

Show more
B04_POKAL_RUNDE1_FIXTURE_16x9_DE.jpg
DFB-Pokal - 24.06.2026

DFB Pokal: Away tie at Wehen Wiesbaden on a Saturday afternoon

The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.

Show more
Fernando Carro
Bayer 04 - 24.06.2026

Fernando Carro to Lead Bayer 04 Delegation to Brazil During FIFA World Cup

Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro will lead a club delegation to Brazil from July 2-6 for a program of partner engagement, community activities and football development initiatives across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Show more
Achim Feifel und Amy Wrigge
Women - 24.06.2026

Bayer 04 extend contract with striker Amy Wrigge

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract of promising striker Amy Wrigge on a long-term basis. The 18-year-old Germany U19 international, currently recovering from a torn cruciate in her left knee, has signed a new contract to 30 June 2029.

Show more