"We've got somewhat unusual weather but we have good energy and have trained well," said Xabi Alonso in summing up the recent days on the training ground. And midfielder Florian Wirtz also drew a positive assessment of the development of recent weeks: "We work every day and from game to game in improving the way we bring our quality onto the pitch. In the past few weeks, the coach has managed to get every player to show his individual quality better. And that's why we have recently been stronger up front and more compact in defence again."
For him that means freedom in spite of tactical discipline: "On the ball, I enjoy showing my strengths on the pitch and fortunately I have the freedom. Of course, I want and have to work against the ball, implement the tactical instructions and play as part of the team. That goes above everything else. At the moment I'm really having a lot of fun playing and I'm expressing that on the pitch."
Wirtz: "WE HAVE TO GET INTO THE GAME"
Alonso rates the opponents highly and he is expecting an intensive encounter as in the last Europa League match against AS Monaco (5-3 on penalties): "I've got great respect for Ferencváros. They finished the group stage in top spot and have strong players, particularly in attack," praised Alonso before sounding a warning: "We have to produce our best game on the pitch to have a chance. Every little detail can be crucial."
Wirtz also showed himself to be ambitious ahead of the match but is also realistic: "Of course, we have to have the target of reaching the final but to do that we first have to concentrate on the next games," said Wirtz before adding: "Therefore, it will be important for us to get into the game, play solidly as a team and build on the recent good performances. Then we'll see at the end of the day where that will take us."
Andrich and Palacios out, Frimpong available
Alonso will have to manage without the two suspended midfielders Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios. Alonso does not see that as a disadvantage: "We have 23 other players in the squad with other qualities and therefore several possibilities of fielding the best possible team on the pitch tomorrow."
With Jeremie Frimpong, who had to be substituted due to a muscular problem in the last Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin, Alonso gave a green light: "He's feeling better and has trained well so he will be with us tomorrow."
2,000 supporters from hungary, tickets available online
24,500 fans are expected at the BayArena for the Round of 16 game with 2,000 supporters from Hungary backing their team on the night. Tickets for the match are available HERE.
The Round of 16 first leg will be broadcast by the streaming service RTL+. And Werkself Radio will be reporting live from the BayArena as usual. The service is available on the Bayer 04 app as well as at bayer04.de.
The second leg in Budapest is a week later with the Black and Reds visiting the Puskás Aréna on Thursday 16 March (kick-off: 21.00 CET).
