Alonso ahead of #B04BKH: Start in Europe against 'technically strong' Häcken

"The outcome of last season is a great motivation for every player. We want to go as far as possible in Europe and make a good start tomorrow," said Alonso. Tah was also full of anticipation: "The fact we just missed out on the final last season still hurts us all. That makes us look forward even more to taking the first step in that direction tomorrow.”

Alonso does not want role as favourites

The Spaniard said the first opponents on the path to the final have a "winners mentality": "If they can beat Malmö and other teams in the Swedish league then that means something. They have a clear approach to the game and are strong particularly on the technical side. We have great respect for them." And Tah: "They are very good on the ball and have players like Samuel Gustafson and Johan Hammar. We can't afford to give them too much space, we want to dominate the game."

Alonso also warned against a supposed role as favourites for his team: "Being the favourite doesn't mean anything. You have to go onto the pitch with the right mentality otherwise it's difficult against any opponent."

no Schick or Arthur

Alonso has nearly a full squad available. Only Patrik Schick and Arthur, who misses out with a muscular injury in his right thigh, are sidelined. The 41-year-old coach did say "a couple of changes" are possible but did not want to go any further.

One thing is certain: "We will have to rotate in the coming weeks. So we need every player to be able to be flexible in the system at all times. All the players have worked well and are ready," said the Spaniard in praising his team.

Tah: "we're hungry for more"

25,000 fans will support Tah and Co. at the BayArena from the stands. The support and anticipation for the coming season on the European stage is also felt by the team according to Tah: "We feel the euphoria from outside the group. But the coach always makes sure we don't listen to it too much and remain self-critical. There are always details we can work on to be able to maintain our level in every game as we're definitely hungry for more."

Alonso states position on spain women's team

In addition to the current issues, members of the media present also asked the Spaniard about the current events surrounding the Spain Women's team. Alonso made his views clear: "They won the World Cup and we should have been talking about their success. But the national women's players are fighting for their rights and that's the right thing to do. Here it’s not just about Spain but it is also an international issue as we saw a couple of years ago for example in the ‘Me too’ movement in the USA. It's not only about changes in football but about changes in our whole society. Sometimes unfortunately it takes such events to get good things going. My daughters will remember what these women fought for. They are fighting for the right thing and above all for a better future."