Both Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Bochum have a lot at stake on the final matchday. B04 coach Xabi Alonso is keeping a low profile.
For one it’s about Europe, for the other about survival in the Bundesliga. Both Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Bochum need a win on the last matchday in their direct encounter (Saturday, 3.30 pm, live in the RS ticker). While the Werkself would certainly be represented in the Europa League in 2023/2024 with such a win, the Bochum team still needs support.
Bad for VfL Bochum: Bayer Leverkusen are highly motivated to correct the 2-2 draw after leading 2-0 against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “We relaxed a little too early. That must not happen. If we want to have a good result, we have to be ready from the first minute,” coach Xabi Alonso said at the press conference and stressed: “Every action is crucial for our future. We have to win. For everyone, for the club, for us. “
Good for VfL Bochum: Leverkusen have some absentees to lament. Robert Andrich, Karim Bellarabi, Odilon Kossounou and Patrik Schick are missing due to injury, Kerem Demirbay and Piero Hincapié are suspended. In addition, there are two stricken players whose identities Alsonso would not reveal. “There are still two small problems. We will see if these players will be fit for the important game on Saturday. “
We expect an intense atmosphere, a lot of intensity. They play with a lot of energy, fight a lot of duels. We have to be ready
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso about VfL Bochum
What’s particularly tricky about it? Bayer 04 Leverkusen are in danger of running out of skilled centre-backs. Suboptimal for the preferred style of play with a three-man backline. Will Alonso now have to change the system? In any case, the 41-year-old was relaxed. “We have enough possibilities to play both systems.”
Despite all the secrecy, it is clear that Bayer 04 Leverkusen expects anything but an easy game at the Ruhrstadion. His team will have to “defend well. Then we will get chances,” said Alonso, but also stressed: “We expect an intense atmosphere, a lot of intensity. They play with a lot of energy, fight a lot of duels. We have to be ready.” Because at VfL Bochum, too, “the future of the club is at stake. “
