Seoane ahead of #B04SVW: ‘We want to play to our own strengths’

"For me, there is no ranking in the importance of matches. The next game is always the most important for me," declared Seoane at today's pre-match press conference. "We had a really good game against Atlético with tactics playing a big part for both teams. So, I have to pay a big compliment to my team. They were disciplined for the whole 90 minutes," said the 43-year-old summing up the first home win in the Champions League.

The Swiss coach added that the positive result has had an influence on the mood of the team: "You can feel a certain satisfaction and pride." However, Seoane also admitted: "a lot of players were very tired after the game – physically and mentally."

FOcUS ON BEING COMPACT AND strong in challenges

The aim now is to take that performance level into the next game against Werder Bremen: "What we need tomorrow is to be compact. In addition, we have to show our strength in challenges on the pitch to get increased pace as we did against Atlético," said Seoane in describing the targets for the clash with the North German club and he added: "We need a good sense of the game again as we can expect a different match tomorrow."

Seoane: "Bremen haVE A LOT OF ENERGY"

Seoane primarily sees the strength of the opponents in their pressing game: "They have a lot of energy, always play high up the pitch, do not allow you much time and always look to close down their opponents." According to the 43-year-old, transition play will also play a crucial role: "They have recently been able to create a lot of transition moves but have also given away as many." Therefore, there will be a need to adjust as best as possible but Seoane set out the aim of "playing to our own strengths."

Formation unconfirmed

The Swiss coach did not want to reveal a set formation: "That is always dependent on the opponents and how the game develops. It's important that the players are able to vary their positions during the game."

Seoane should be able to call on the same squad as in the game against the Madrid side but he admitted: "After a game like that, it's completely normal that one or the other player has a knock so we will work closely with the medical department."

praise for Schick

The 43-year-old also found words of praise for striker Patrik Schick: "I like the Patrik I'm seeing this season very much. He runs a lot, battles with the central defenders, scores goals. He has impressed me overall in training with a positive approach, he's led the way in difficult weeks and has served the team."

Adli and Bellarabi in rehab training

More good news: Amine Adli and Karim Bellarabi have returned to the pitch this week. Both are currently in rehab training. "It will take one or two weeks before they can get back into full training," said Seoane before adding: "Amine is a long way down the road but at the moment we are avoiding any contact until he's strong enough. "The aim with Karim Bellarabi is to continue to increase the workload.

29,000 at the BayArena

29,000 tickets have been sold for the game against Werder Bremen. The visitors have almost completely used up their allocation with 2,851 Werder fans travelling to Leverkusen tomorrow.