Back
26.08.2022Werkself-TV

Seoane before #M05B04: “Focus is on defensive work”

The Werkself are away at Mainz on Saturday, 27 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST) for Matchday 4 in the Bundesliga. It sees Gerardo Seoane and his side take on a host who are still unbeaten this season (W2, D1) and fourth in the table. The 43-year-old spoke at his press conference on Friday about what the team worked on in training during the week and the importance of defensive work for the meeting at the MEWA Arena.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Seoane appeared pleased with training over the past week. He said the team had worked with great concentration and focus over the past few days. “We’ve tried to tackle the negative situation together. You can only reproduce a Bundesliga matchday in small sequences in training, but I felt lots of motivation and energy to work on the game plan together after the disappointment.”

Challenges, communication, mentality

In terms of the on-field aspects, the areas of challenges, communication and mentality were tackled: “It needs a hint more from everyone in the current situation in terms of these points,” the Swiss coach added. “We have to show willingness, above all in challenges, accepting the rigorousness and supporting each other.”

They want to remain loyal to their attacking play, but the current focus has clearly been on defending. “Obviously we want to excite the spectators, score lots of goals and have greater vigour in attack, but we can only do that when we work in a compact, determined and aggressive way against the ball beforehand,” continued Seoane, who also says that these include shoring up against the counter, an organised covering defence and clearer positioning after turnovers.

Seoane: “Mainz play with confidence”

The 43-year-old has a clear goal for tomorrow’s game against Mainz: “We have to turn our words into actions and implement the things we’ve planned and trained.” Seoane believes the opposition is assured and determined: “Mainz play with confidence, especially at home, and play with a healthy dose of rigorousness and force. We want to stand up against that and play out our own situations well.”

unchanged squad

Seoane expects to be able to draw upon the same squad as last weekend’s loss to Hoffenheim. Charles Aranguiz has trained individually due to muscular complaints but was again able to work with the team yesterday. If the Chilean midfielder has no problems in Friday’s final session, he’ll be available on Saturday.

The Werkself have sold 1,614 tickets for the game at the MEWA Arena and are looking forward to great support in Mainz.

Related News

Luca Erlein
Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Talented defender with a promising future: Luca Erlein profiled

Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes bei der Vertragsunterschrift
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Bayer 04 sign Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.

Show more
Neue Kaffee-Partnerschaft mit Imping
Business - 24.07.2026

Imping is Bayer 04’s new coffee partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.

Show more