Alonso expresses excitement for derby | OneFootball

“Cup games are always special, and especially against Köln. We're really excited,” said Alonso, adding, "We're expecting an intense and hard game with a top atmosphere. But everything needs to remain sporting. We're prepared to maintain our focus and play with control."

When asked about a Köln side travelling just 15 kilometres to Leverkusen, Alonso said, “They're brave [Köln], and in my opinion, have a Bundesliga squad with lots of quality and experience. They can also play with high intensity and are in very good form right now.”

The Billy Goats currently sit at the top of the 2. Bundesliga after suffering relegation from the top flight last year, Gerhard Struber however, has the club back on track and seemingly poised for promotion back to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking.

Whilst Alonso is without both Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Belocian for the tie, forward Amine Adli is fit and ready for action. “We've really missed him on the pitch in recent months. He has that explosiveness, and aggressive runs. We're really pleased he's fit again," said the 43-year-old.

There was also heaps of praise for winter arrivals, Emiliano Buendia and Mario Hermoso, who were both debutants as Die Werkself overcame Hoffenheim by three goals to one on Sunday.

“You immediately felt Emiliano's influence. He's a very intelligent player who can play either side of the strikers. With Mario, you felt his great experience on the pitch. It felt like we needed two meetings, and then they understood our ideas.”

Finally, Alonso gave more praise for talisman Florian Wirtz, who joined Leverkusen in 2020 from tonight's opponents, Köln.

“He learned a lot at Köln but has made even greater progress since his move to Leverkusen. He's a grown-up player with a great presence on the pitch and the desire to improve every day. He's a world-class player.”

Wirtz is just two goals and two assists away from matching last season's respective tallies. His nine goals and nine assists thus far in the Bundesliga, have been a vital cog in Leverkusen's campaign as they aim to keep the pressure on league leaders Bayern München.

For now, though, attentions turn to the DFB-Pokal, where Die Werkself aim to continue their quest of retaining their title in Berlin come May. Before any of that, however, it is derby day in North Rhine-Westphalia.