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

Kurzpässe vor #FCKB04
Champions League - 18.09.2025

Matchday News #FCKB04: UCL opener against experienced Danes

It's finally Champions League time again! Under the motto 'Sound of Dreams', the Werkself's European journey begins on Thursday 18 September (kick-off 18:45 CEST) at FC Copenhagen. The Danes relied on their experience and solid defence in particular to come through qualifying. Nevertheless, their record against German teams is not good, and Bayer 04 also have positive memories of their previous two encounters with FCK. The Matchday News rounds up all the info on the match.

Show more
Kasper Hjulmand
Champions League - 17.09.2025

Hjulmand ahead of #FCKB04: "Looking forward to a special night"

The opener in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: On Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), the Werkself will kick off the new UCL campaign at FC Copenhagen. Ahead of the clash, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about his return to Parken, the Danish record champions' home ground. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, for his part, was looking forward to his first Champions League game.

Show more
Titelbild Gegner-Check
Champions League - 17.09.2025

Our next opponents: Moukoko's new start at FC Copenhagen

Bayer 04's new coach Kasper Hjulmand will kick off the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in his home country: The Danish double winners FC Copenhagen welcome the Werkself to the Parken Stadium on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST/live on DAZN). Hjulmand not only knows the stadium, but also some of the FC Copenhagen players from his time as the Denmark coach. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Kopenhagen
Champions League - 16.09.2025

Visiting FC Copenhagen - travel tips for the Champions League match

Bayer 04 are away to FC Copenhagen on the first matchday of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The game against the Danish record champions is on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST) at the Parken Stadium. Ahead of the match, here are some travel tips from Bayer 04 partner weloveholidays for all travelling fans of the Werkself.

Show more