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"The full focus is now on Heidenheim. We need our Bundesliga mindset again, that's of great importance as the league is the most important competition for us," explained Alonso right at the start of the press conference on Friday afternoon. As in every game, the team go into the clash with the newcomers with the highest levels of concentration and maximum respect. "Otherwise we will have problems," said the Spaniard.
The Black and Reds face FC Heidenheim on Sunday for the second time in a competitive match. For most the Werkself players, the team from Baden-Württemberg are a completely new opponent that the team and coach Alonso have to be prepared for: "They are an intense team who we will have to be ready to challenge. We can't be timid and we have to be prepared for every style of play. Heidenheim are particularly dangerous at set pieces and that is still a weakness of ours. We are continuing to work hard on that."
In addition, Alonso explained: "Heidenheim have good energy and huge desire to battle as we could see against Bremen in Dortmund. I remember their promotion match last season – that was crazy." Heidenheim turned the game around against Jahn Regensburg scoring twice in added time to go 3-2 up and thereby seal the first promotion to the Bundesliga in the club's history. "They deserved to be promoted, it wasn't luck. They have passion and play with commitment," said Alonso.
The Spaniard also praised the visitors’ coach Frank Schmidt who has now been in the dugout at Heidenheim for 16 years: "I've got great admiration for him and I look forward to getting to know him on Sunday. Being in a leading position and in such an intense job for so long is unique and not easy. I wish him and his team all the best for the season."
The Werkself can again look forward to huge support at the match against the newly promoted club: the home section is already sold out. The away ticket office will be open on the matchday.
Alonso will again have to manage without Patrick Schick, Arthur as well as Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
For the game on Sunday, Bayer 04 have again organised a traditional family matchday under the motto "Together under the Cross", presented by main sponsor Barmenia. Werkself fans can enjoy family friendly offers and a wide-ranging programme with games and entertainment in and around the BayArena.
The Werkself are away to Arminia Bielefeld at the SchücoArena tonight, 1 April (kick-off: 20:45 CEST) in the DFB Pokal semi-finals. Matchday news brings you the latest information on the game between the team fourth in the third division and the holders from Leverkusen.
Show moreRüdiger Vollborn has been at the club for 40 years, he holds the record number of Bundesliga appearances for the club (401) and is the only Bayer 04 player to have won both the UEFA Cup (1988) and the DFB Pokal (1993). And the Berliner stayed with the Werkself after ending his impressive playing career as he worked as a goalkeeping coach for the following nine years. Vollborn now works under the Bayer Cross as a fan liaison officer and club archivist. Since February 2021, the personalised Black and Red lexicon takes Werkself fans under the heading of 'Rudi recounts...' on a brief trip through the history of Bayer 04 every month…
Show moreCan Bayer 04 make it back-to-back appearances in the DFB Pokal final? The Werkself will first need to get the better of Arminia Bielefeld in Tuesday’s semi-final (kick-off at 8.45pm CEST). Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Xabi Alonso discussed the attributes his team need to beat the 3. Liga club and some potential comebacks.
Show moreThis could be a great season for Arminia Bielefeld. They currently sit fourth in the 3. Liga and are pushing for promotion back to Bundesliga 2. In the DFB Pokal, they have already eliminated three Bundesliga clubs on their way to the semi-finals. Could Bielefeld now cause yet another cupset against the Werkself on Tuesday (kick-off at 8.45pm CEST)? Here’s all you need to know about our next opponents.
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