The Swiss coach is "confident" regarding the clash with the Foals who beat FC Bayern 2-1 in their last outing. The 43-year-old boss has been encouraged by training this week. "The team were very focused and self-critical in dealing with the match against Union Berlin (2-2, ed.)," explained Gerardo Seoane at Friday's pre-match press conference. "The players responded accordingly in training."
Nadiem Amiri has returned at the end of the week. The 25-year-old is fit and healthy after recovering from a Covid-19 infection. "Nadiem made a good impression," said Seoane. "So, he is available for the match."
Asked about media speculation of Amiri moving on, Seoane said: "It's January and the transfer window is open. Speculation is part and parcel of that. There is something to it but there's also an additional element from the media. That doesn't really interest me the day before a game. He's back with us and we're happy about that."
The following players are unavailable for the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach due to injury: Julian Baumgartlinger, Charles Aránguiz and Daley Sinkgraven. In addition, Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, goalkeeper Niklas Lomb and Paulinho are still in self-isolation.
The Werkself have now gone four Bundesliga matches without a win. However, that has not created uncertainty in Gerardo Seoane's team as the Swiss coach emphasised: "We are highly motivated and focused on our jobs."
After five league matches without a win, the twelfth-placed team from Mönchengladbach started 2022 with a victory away to the record champions from Munich. In that game, Adi Hütter's team demonstrated their "dynamism and power but also their quality on the pitch. But I'm convinced that we will be able to play our own game and find the right answers."
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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