Back
5.02.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04VfB: ‘Very motivated' for the quarter-final at the BayArena

The big cup tie is here: The Werkself entertain VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday 6 February (kick-off: 20.45 CET) in the quarter-final of the DFB Pokal. Ahead of the only all Bundesliga clash in the round of the last eight, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about great anticipation, the opponents from Stuttgart and the support of the fans in a full house at the BayArena.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We have the chance of reaching the semi-finals. Of course, there is great anticipation. We are very motivated," declared Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon. "Tomorrow we want to be focused, intelligent and play with quality and to win we need our best performance and the support of our fans."

The Spaniard was keen to totally blank out the forthcoming Bundesliga big match against Bayern Munich in four days time. "Our focus is now on the next game. That's always the most important thing," said Alonso who does not feel any additional pressure in relation to the clashes with Stuttgart and Bayern. "There's always pressure in professional football. And that's before every game regardless of the opponents and the competition."

Alonso praises VfB: "Intelligent, flexible"

On the opponents from Stuttgart, who are currently third in the league, Alonso said: "I like the way they play. Intelligent and flexible. They absolutely deserve to be where they are in the table." The last league match between Bayer 04 and VfB Stuttgart in December of last year ended all square at 1-1. "It was a very intense game. We can learn something from that game and apply it."

Duo ready – Palacios "on right track"

In terms of personnel, nobody is ruled out after the physical league encounter in Darmstadt (2-0). Also, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli are ready to play on Tuesday evening following their return from AFCON. In contrast, the cup tie comes too early for Exequiel Palacios even though Alonso believes the Argentinian is "progressing well."

The head coach is giving another start to goalkeeper Matej Kovar who played in the previous two DFB-Pokal ties. Alonso on the Czech keeper: "He showed his great potential last season at Sparta Prague and was impressive here in training from the start. On top of that are his good performances in the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League. He's earned the chance to play again tomorrow."

The DFB-Pokal quarter-final is being shown on the pay-TV broadcaster Sky and on the terrestrial TV channel ARD. Coverage from the BayArena starts on both channels at 20.15 CET. As usual, Werkself Radio will be covering the game from 15 minutes before kick-off.

Related News

Medientribüne in der BayArena
Business - 13.11.2024

Available now: Digital accreditation form for Werkself home games

To gain access to the stadium as a member of the media on Werkself home matchdays you need accreditation from Bayer 04. From now, you can submit the application for accreditation exclusively via our online registration form at bayer04.de.

Show more
Sergio
Bayer 04 - 12.11.2024

Trophy Tour in Brazil – Bayer 04's special connection with Brazil

In keeping with the Trophy Tour in Brazil starting today, Bayer04.de looks back at the long-standing link between the Werkself and Brazilian players. The list is long as well as impressive. 24 Brazilian players have worn the Bayer 04 Leverkusen jersey from 1987 to the present day. Tita was the first under the Bayer Cross having come to Germany after ten years at top Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama, Flamengo Rio de Janeiro and Gremio Porto Alegre. He played a crucial part in the Werkself winning their first major trophy in that season: the UEFA Cup in 1988.

Show more
Bayer 04 gegen Inter Mailand
Champions League - 12.11.2024

Tickets for UCL home game against Inter Milan

In the third home fixture in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign, the Werkself entertain the Italian champions Inter Milan at the BayArena. The game on Matchday 6 is on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 21.00 CET). Read on for the information on ticket sales for this game.

Show more
Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 11.11.2024

Trophy Tour in Brazil – Rolfes: ‘Engage with fans all over the world on a personal level’

Trophies on Tour: The Bayer 04 delegation led by sporting managing director Simon Rolfes is set to take the Trophy Tour to Brazil. Ahead of the first events tomorrow, 12 November, Bayer04.de spoke to Simon Rolfes prior to the flight to São Paulo about the motivation for the tour, the planned events and the long-standing connection between Bayer 04 and Brazil.

Show more
Sixth win in ninth game: Women beat promoted team Potsdam | 9th matchday
Werkself-TV - 10.11.2024

Women: TV-highlights of 3-0 victory against Turbine Potsdam

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-0 win against 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam on matchday 9 of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2024/25...

Show more