“Quite a bit has changed since the games last year against Roma – both with us and them,” Alonso stated at Wednesday’s press conference from the Stadio Olimpico. “There are new people at both teams. The styles of play have also changed somewhat.”
The change of approach at the Giallorossi is also down to their change of coach since club legend Daniele De Rossi took over from Jose Mourinho in January. “His style of play is clear to see. Their style has changed with the change of coach.”
The Werkself are now unbeaten in their last 46 competitive fixtures. The Bundesliga title is in the bag, but they’ve now got their sights on the next goal. “The desire and hunger to reach the final are absolutely there. It’s a second chance for us after last year, even though we know it’ll be difficult. Roma have shown their quality often enough in the Europa League this season. There’s also the spectacular atmosphere in the stadium here.” Some 2,400 fans have made the trip from Leverkusen to Rome to support their team.
The Werkself have arrived with a fully fit squad. Jonathan Tah went off with a knock against VfB Stuttgart but is available, as are forwards Adam Hlozek and Borja Iglesias after their respective injuries. While Alonso refused to state whether they would feature, the Spaniard did confirm that Matej Kovar will continue in goal in the competition.
Schick missed last season’s semi-final tie against his former club due to injury. “It makes me even happier to be back fit and healthy now. It’ll be nice to see some of my old teammates again,” the Czech striker said. One of those is new coach De Rossi. “He was a great player, a real leader on the pitch. And from what I’ve seen from a distance, he’s also doing a super job as a coach here at Roma. I think he’s got a very promising future ahead of him in this area.”
While the 28-year-old himself admitted that he “wasn’t yet ready for such a big club” during his time at Roma, he now feels he’s at exactly the right place following his 2019 move to the Bundesliga. “The speed, the way they press – I really like the style of football in Germany and in the Bundesliga. And then there’s also my teammates with huge quality. We now want to take the next step together.”
Twelve Werkself players have been selected for their national teams in the final international break of the year, with the Leverkusen's international players competing in the final group matches in the UEFA Nations League, in qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. We round up all the results involving Bayer 04 players here.
Show moreFive players in the Bayer 04 Women squad have been selected for the Germany U23s for two international fixtures. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday afternoon.
Show moreBayer 04’s Bundesliga game at home to St. Pauli on Saturday, 7 December will be the next district matchday of the season, with the district of Hitdorf being the stage for numerous activities in the week building up to the fixture against the promoted side.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Fanzone opens in two days time on Wednesday, 20 November in the South Stand at the BayArena. Bayer 04 fans will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art, interactive shopping and fan experience covering more than 700 square metres. Black and Reds supporters are warmly welcome to spend an exciting day in this brand-new area at the stadium.
Show moreIt is already a fact that the Bayer 04 Women have had their best Hinrunde ever. The Werkself are fourth in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga on 23 points two behind the top team. Tickets are now on sale for the final games of the year. The tickets for the last two home matches in 2024 at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium are available now. First up on Friday, 6 December (kick-off: 18.30 CET) are last season's runners-up VfL Wolfsburg and that is followed by the home game at the start of the Rückrunde against SC Freiburg on Saturday, 14 December (12.00 CET).
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