Seoane ahead of #B04SCF: ‘Right mentality must be the starting point’

“We want to repeat the energy, team spirit and mutual support,” said Gerardo Seoane about the game plan for the match against Freiburg and he want on to declare: “The right mentality and determined, compact and aggressive defending has to be the starting point for us again as in the last match.”

Bakker and Hincapie suspended

The Swiss coach has almost the whole squad available from last week. All the players are fit with the exception of long-term injured players Karim Bellarabi, Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli and Andrey Lunev. Mitchel Bakker and Piero Hincapie are both serving a one-match ban.

Asked about the possible appearance of Daley Sinkgraven on the left flank, Seoane praised the Dutch defender: “Daley always trains hard, his commitment and performances are exemplary.” The 43-year-old coach said other players and systems were possible but he did not want to commit himself.

Hudson-Odoi in squad for first time

Black and Red fans will have a first sight of new signing Callum Hudson-Odoi on Saturday. Seoane: “He’s come from a top club top club. has excellent technique, he can dribble well and is a player who can do a very good job up front,” said Seoane. He is lacking match practice at the moment due to injury but he is on the right track to fight back. Seoane added: “We’re supporting him in regaining his level and we hope we can benefit from his quality at the same time.”

Seoane on SCF: "consistently at high level"

Seoane rates the Sport Club as a strong opponent: “Over recent years they have continued to develop despite players leaving and now they are playing at a consistently high level and they are building on that in the current campaign.” Characteristic for the visitors from the Black Forest is their well-drilled team approach. However, the Swiss coach is clear of one thing: “We’re playing at home and go into the game with confidence after winning the last match. We want to get a positive result.”   

Tickets available

25,865 tickets have been sold for the game against Freiburg. 1,100 Freiburg fans are expected to travel to Leverkusen on Saturday. The ticket offices will be open tomorrow.