"Mum and child are doing well. We're all very happy," Seoane proudly declared at the start of the press conference before adding: "I actually always try to separate my professional from my private life but when you become a father you can't compare or describe those feelings with anything in football." The Swiss manager then moved on to tomorrow's encounter with FC Augsburg on matchday two: "We want to produce a good performance tomorrow and we finally want to get a result," said Seoane in setting out a clear target for the first game on home turf. According to Seoane that primarily requires "high energy and aggression."
The Werkself have one statistic in their favour: Leverkusen have been undefeated in the last 22 matches against Augsburg. Seoane did warn however: "I'm not interested in the results from the past. Augsburg have a new coach and a different approach to the game this year." The 4-0 defeat against Freiburg last weekend does not reflect the performance levels of FCA. "Therefore, I'm expecting an exciting Bundesliga match where we will have to look to our own performance and show our quality," said Seoane. In addition, the coach praised his team in training this week: "We have worked with focus and concentration."
Seoane is still unable to call on Florian Wirtz. The Werkself number 27 is currently on holiday in Ibiza but is working hard on his comeback out there. The 43-year-old manager is also unable to select Robert Andrich. The midfielder is making good progress, "but is unavailable to play tomorrow as the risk is too high," said Seoane.
There is also good news about Amine Adli: The Werkself number 21 has completed numerous individual sessions in recent weeks and also started full training again, and the striker will be back in the squad for the first time against FCA: "Amine has recovered well and has had the green light from the medical department and is able to play again. He's an important player and we believe he can have his first minutes on the pitch again but we obviously have to be careful."
Following the suspension of the captain Lukas Hradecky, Gerardo Seoane has chosen to put Andrey Lunev in goal. "It's not always easy to accept the role as the second or third goalkeeper but I have to pay a big compliment to all the keepers. They are professional in their day-to-day work." The Swiss coach describes Andrey Lunev as a very experienced keeper: "He is very calm and I think he enjoys the fact he will be playing in such an important match tomorrow. We have full confidence in his quality and ability."
For the opening match at the BayArena, the Werkself can concurrently look forward to the backing of 23,000 Black and Reds supporters in the stands. Fan clubs are calling for a fan march at 10.00 CEST from the Market Square in Wiesdorf. 300 Augsburg fans are expected to make the trip to Leverkusen.
Gerardo Seoane is also looking forward to the first match at home in the new season: "We have very sensitive fans. Last season they showed they have a very good sense of when the team needs support," said Seoane before adding: "Of course, positive and negative feedback is all part of it but we always feel we have great support from our fans and look forward to seeing a lot of people at the game tomorrow."
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
Show more
FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
Show more
Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
Show more
