Alonso before duel in Bochum: “The table doesn’t matter”

Double winner Bayer Leverkusen is preparing for strong resistance from bottom team VfL Bochum. “It’s not easy in Bochum. The table doesn’t matter. They have a new coach. We are ready,” said coach Xabi Alonso before the game in the Bundesliga on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky). The Werkself will recover from the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League during the week.

“We always prepare the same way – regardless of whether we play in Liverpool or Bochum,” said Alonso: “We have to show the same mentality. They deserve more points.” VfL introduced Dieter Hecking as their new coach during the week, but that didn’t mean any differences for Alonso in preparation, the Spaniard said. The Werkself, fourth in the table, are already seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

For Alonso it is important to “show a good performance again. We don’t want to go into the international break with a bad feeling again. The game is very important,” emphasized Alonso, who continued to attack the injured Frenchman Martin on Saturday. Terrier has to do without.