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"It's a match against a big team in the history of football. AC Milan are a top side with a lot of individual quality. They have dangerous players who work well together on the pitch. Therefore, we will need to produce our best performance levels and play with high concentration as usual," said Xabi Alonso at the press conference on Monday afternoon..
Defender Jonathan Tah said full of anticipation for the game: "Games in the Champions League are always a challenge. We will be tested at the highest level – and that's exactly what we want."
While the Werkself started the 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory, the Rossoneri lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool. AC Milan had a mediocre start in the league with two draws and a defeat. That has since been followed by three league wins in succession including the derby against champions Inter Milan (2-1) and a 3-0 victory against Lecce last Friday.
In response to a question of his assessment of AC Milan, Alonso said: "We expect high game intelligence. They are prepared to defend deep but they can also dominate possession. We have to be prepared for any situation." Tah added: "Italian sides are a difficult opponent for many teams. They have a particular style of play and defend very well. We will need to be very patient."
The match against AC Milan is the first home game in the Champions League for the Werkself in two years following the game for the Black and Reds against Club Brugge. Asked about Bayer 04’s progress since then, Tah said: "A lot has happened. We have undergone an incredible development as a club and the coach has had a big influence on that. We'll never say that we are completely happy. We will always keep working and try to improve from game to game."
Alonso revelled in memories for a moment. As a player with Liverpool, the Spaniard secured his first Champions League title against AC Milan in one of the most memorable finals in the tournament. Liverpool came back from 3-0 down with Alonso equalising by converting a saved penalty to put the Reds through to a penalty shoot-out, which they went on to win. Alonso said about the magical evening against AC Milan: "It was one of the most important games in my career and an incredible night. It's a great memory but the focus for us is on the here and now."
Alonso again has a full squad to choose from tomorrow. Other good news: 30,210 fans will watch the match at the stadium tomorrow - the BayArena is sold out. 2,000 AC Milan fans are expected to follow their team to Leverkusen.
The game will be broadcast live on DAZN. In addition, Werkself Radio will also cover the match as usual.
Bayer 04 drew 1-1 with Bayern Munich on Bundesliga matchday five. In the top match at the Allianz Arena, Robert Andrich gave the Werkself the lead with the first chance for the Black and Reds (31'). The hosts levelled eight minutes later with a goal from Aleksandar Pavlovic. FC Bayern were on top for the rest of the game but the Werkself defended right to the end with passion and commitment.
Show moreBayer 04 today visit the capital of Bavaria: The Werkself face Bayern Munich in the top match on Bundesliga matchday five in the 2024/25 season (kick-off: 18.30 CEST/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio). Here is the latest information on the clash at the Allianz Arena.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women's team remain unbeaten after four Bundesliga matchdays. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold beat TSG Hoffenheim 2-1 thanks to two goals in the first half. The strikers Caroline Kehrer (21') and first-time goalscorer Cornelia Kramer (28' pen.) scored for the Werkself who are now on ten points
Show moreThe Werkself play Bayern Munich in the top match on Bundesliga matchday five on Saturday, 28 September (kick-off: 18.30 CEST/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio). Ahead of the game at the Allianz Arena, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the in-form opponents, the Werkself defence and what is needed for a successful performance in Munich.
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