Seoane: Final phase has begun, we're in the thick of it!

Gerardo Seoane welcomed 19 players to the training ground on Wednesday morning for the first session of the week in the build-up to the away game at SpVgg Greuther Fürth (Saturday 23 April, 15.30 CEST). Two defensive players were missing: Piero Hincapie, like Robert Andrich suspended for the game against Fürth, has "not been able to train without pain" following a knock on his ankle in the 1-0 defeat against RB Leipzig. Edmond Tapsoba reported feeling unwell at the start of the week. The 23-year-old central defender is "now feeling better," Seoane explained. But there is a question mark over Tapsoba playing at Fürth due to knee problems also sustained in the home game against Leipzig.

Charles Aránguiz ended the Wednesday session early but the all-clear sounded quickly in relation to the Chile international. Seoane: "It was a precaution in the end. He had a couple of problems with his neck and was limited in his movement."

maintain the "good Spirit"

In addition to the suspended Andrich and Hincapie, the other absentees for the game in Fürth are the injured Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Karim Bellarabi and Timothy Fosu-Mensah. "Of course, there are a number of question marks surrounding team selection," said Seoane. "The tactical and personnel solutions are more or less obvious."

But less choice does not necessarily mean a poor performance as the 43-year-old coach emphasised: "I saw a good spirit and good energy in the team against Leipzig. We need to maintain that approach throughout the run-in."

Seoane avoids mathematical posibilities

The Leverkusen head coach is full of conviction and calm in the run-in to the end of the season, both on the pitch and in front of the media. The focus on qualification for the Champions League is clear to see in Seoane at all times: "The final phase of the season has begun, we’re in the thick of it. But I don't want to try and work out the different possibilities. We can't afford to waste energy and thought on some hypothetical scenario. We have to do our job properly. And the next challenge awaits in Fürth."

A win or a draw against the newcomers from Central Franconia would mean SpVgg going straight down. Recent results show that Fürth (11 points behind the play-off spot) are not daunted despite probable relegation to the second division: They have not conceded in three of the last four league matches. And the opponents were SC Freiburg, Eintracht Frankfurt and TSG Hoffenheim – all well known for their strength in attack.

"They showed they can play good football in the first half of the season. And now their defence has improved considerably," declared Seoane. "Nevertheless, our clear target is to take three points from the game." Three points that should bring the Werkself a step closer to a top-four finish...