Back
6.09.2022Champions League

Andrich on Champions League: ‘Feel great anticipation’

Bayer 04 have arrived in Bruges: A brief pitch inspection at the Jan Breydel Stadium was followed by the pre-match press conference at the media centre of the Belgian champions on Tuesday evening. The key statements from head coach Gerardo Seoane and Robert Andrich who could make his debut in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow against Club Brugge (kick-off: 21.00 CEST).

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"There's no doubt we are looking forward to this new competition," stated Gerardo Seoane at the start. "Our participation in the Champions League is the reward for very good work last season by many, many people at our club."

According to the Swiss coach, the Werkself are expecting the Belgian champions to be a "team strong at home who have a good mix of the physical and footballing quality."

Debutant Andrich, winner Hudson-Odoi

While Gerardo Seoane has been in the dugout six times in the champions league in the 2018/29 season as the head coach of the Swiss club Young Boys Bern, Robert Andrich is waiting for his first appearance in Europe's premier club competition. The Werkself number eight was playing in the third division four years ago but the dream of playing in the Champions League was in his mind back then: "I said to myself I’d do it by 27. Now I’m here at the age of 27 and I'm proud of it. It will be a moving, special moment for me. The anticipation is growing and growing!"

crop_20220903_JS_CLU_B04_MD1_0840.jpg

One player who does know how it feels to play in the Champions League is teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi. The six-year younger new signing at the Werkself won the tournament last summer with Chelsea. Ahead of the game, Seoane refused to divulge whether Hudson-Odoi would start at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The technically gifted Englishman with his confidence on the ball staked his claim with a "convincing" performance in Saturday's home game against SC Freiburg.

Over 1,200 Werkself Fans in Bruges

In spite of the 3-2 defeat against Freiburg, Seoane took several positives in the clash. So, the approach to the game against the Belgian champions will require "courage, energy and complete conviction," as the Leverkusen head coach declared at the end.

The Werkself will again be able to rely on strong support from the stands at the Jan Breydel Stadium: Over 1,200 Bayer 04 fans will be at the game on Wednesday night.

Related News

Miguel Gutiérrez
Bayer 04 - 05.08.2026

Spanish left-back with strong links to the Werkself: Profile of Miguel Gutiérrez

New signing Miguel Gutiérrez arrives in Leverkusen having won the Champions League, the Spanish league title and an Olympic gold medal. However, the 25-year-old Spaniard, signed from Napoli, is looking to the future – he wants to write the next chapter of success with the Werkself. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the skilful, attack-minded left-back, who will wear the number 3 jersey.

Show more
Trainingsarbeit im Trainingslager im Weimarer Land
Bayer 04 - 04.08.2026

Day 3 blog: Training, interviews and Schneider visit | Training camp in Weimarer Land

The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day three (Tuesday 4 August) begins with a thorough open session on the pitch. After lunch, some players have media engagements at the team hotel, and then the team come together for a barbecue in the evening.

Show more
Inklusionswerkself in Houston
Sustainability - 04.08.2026

Inclusion in Black and Red: The Inklusionswerkself wow the crowds at the Genuine Cup 2026

Nine matches against teams from nine countries, two penalty shoot-outs won, and encounters that went far beyond football: As with last year, the Inklusionswerkself enjoyed an extraordinary week at the Genuine Cup 2026 in Houston, USA, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, the Leverkusen side took part as Germany’s official representatives and, accordingly, took to the pitch in Germany kit. Together with 53 teams from 53 nations, the Black and Reds once again sent a powerful message of inclusion and participation – and also impressed on the pitch by winning their group.

Show more
crop_20260803_JS_Trainingslager_Tag2_2435.jpg
Bayer 04 - 03.08.2026

Day 2 blog: Intense work on the pitch – fan meet-up at the Schloss | Training camp in the Weimarer Land region

The Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog, you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme for day two (Monday, 3 August) centres on two training sessions – one in the morning (open to the public) and one in the early evening (behind closed doors) – at the nearby training grounds. In the afternoon, fans can look forward to a big fan meet-up with club legend Paulo Sergio at Schloss Blankenhain.

Show more