Back
7.02.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #WOBB04: “One of the hardest away games”

After three straight home games across three different competitions, Bayer 04 now head to Wolfsburg for Matchday 21 in the Bundesliga. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about switching focus back to the league from the DFB Pokal, the hosts’ form and a player who’s set to return.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“Obviously the mood in the team is good,” Alonso stated on Friday, two days after his side beat Köln in a cup derby to reach the semi-finals. “But that game is now behind us. Our focus is fully on the Bundesliga. That’s our most important competition.”

Speaking about Wolfsburg, who come into this weekend sat 10th in the table, he said: “It’ll be a very hard game, one of the hardest away games of the season. I felt at the start of the season they could have a good year. They’ve stabilised after some initial difficulties and have a clear style under Ralph Hasenhüttl.”

Adli set to return

The game in Wolfsburg, for which 2,350 Leverkusen fans are set to make the journey, brings the end to a busy period of seven matches in the space of 21 days. “It’s the last big effort of a long and intense spell with a lot of games. We’ll give our all again,” the Spaniard affirmed, looking ahead to a calmer period of three weeks with games only on weekends.

Alejandro Grimaldo won’t be involved this weekend as the left-back serves a suspension for his red card against Hoffenheim, while he’s also suffering the effects of a knock to the head against Köln. “He’ll almost certainly be fit again for Bayern next week,” Alonso stated.

However, the boss confirmed that Amine Adli will be in the matchday squad for the first time since his leg fracture in October. It means Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier are the only confirmed absentees alongside Grimaldo. “We had a tough period with injuries a few months ago but have come through it well. It’s really important that we can now call upon almost all the players again. Competition in the squad is very important,” Alonso concluded.

Related News

Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 24.05.2026

2025/26 season review, part I: Upheaval, change, euphoria

Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.

Show more
Emily Wallrabenstein and Achim Feifel
Women - 22.05.2026

Seventh new arrival: Bayer 04 sign centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein from Frankfurt

The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.

Show more
Paulina Platner und Achim Feifel
Women - 21.05.2026

Bayer 04 sign midfielder Paulina Platner from Essen

Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.

Show more
Bundesliga Goal of the Season Nominees
Bayer 04 - 19.05.2026

Vote now for Terrier’s dream goal in the derby to be the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season!

The German Football League (DFL) has shortlisted Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick goal against 1. FC Köln for the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season. Bayer 04 fans can vote for their favourite goal via the Bundesliga app from now until Monday 25 May (23:59 CEST).

Show more
Talent House
Bayer 04 - 19.05.2026

A home for young elite athletes: The Talent House in Leverkusen

Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.

Show more