Alonso ahead of #SVWB04: ‘Challenge to be consistent'

"Of course, we haven't had much time since yesterday. But yesterday's match is already in the past in our heads and today the focus is again fully on Sunday," said Alonso, who added in respect of the next training session: "Today players need time to recover but tomorrow we will again prepare with intensity."

Alonso: "Bremen have high Tempo"

Talking about intensity: Alonso is expecting his opponents to have "a high tempo and a clear focus. There is always a special atmosphere in Bremen and we are looking forward to it." For this game, the Spaniard is demanding from his team the same mentality, concentration and stability shown in recent fixtures: "If we play like that then our performances and results are better. Our biggest challenge is to be consistent in the busy period ahead." He said it is too early to make a prediction up to the end of the season but "we are on the right track at the moment and I'm very happy with that," said the 41-year-old coach about his team.

almost full squad available

Alonso has an almost complete squad to choose from with all players fit with the exception of Charles Aránguiz (muscular problems) and Andrey Lunev (back injury). Midfielders Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios return after their one-match bans in the Europa League.

The Spaniard did not want to commit himself to naming the starting eleven for the game against Werder Bremen and he added: "Of course, with the important matches coming up next week in Budapest and then at home to Bayern, it is difficult to rotate. But everybody is fit and there's great competition. That gives us enough options and we will definitely be able to field the best team in each game."

over 1,200 Fans in Bremen

1,222 Black and Red fans will travel to Bremen for the game at the wohninvest Weserstadion to give their support to the Werkself. Tickets will not be available on the day of the match.

As usual, Werkself Radio, available via the Bayer 04 app or at bayer04.de, will broadcast live from Bremen.