Gerardo Seoane on…
… the current shape of the Werkself: We are happy we didn't have any injuries from the training camp. Of course, there are always a couple of knocks but that's all part of this phase. We were able to get a short break afterwards and now we have done well getting back into training again over the first two days. The physical state of all the players is different and that means that recovery isn't the same. The players, who have been injured longer for example, always react differently to stresses and strains but that's also completely normal. We are on the right track overall.
... the comeback plan for Amine Adli: This week he's been able to take in parts of full training. That's the first step from controlled to unrestricted training. Before, he just worked in twos and now he is in the group and doing the first drills but he is also training on his own at times. At the end of the week he will have tests that include checking his strength levels. Amin did not have straightforward injury and problems can occur again, above all if the workload is too big. But we are happy and I believe we can fully reintegrate him in the coming two weeks and then he'll definitely need one or two more weeks before he is able to play again.
… the upcoming match against SV 07 Elversberg: We should be aware that it's a knockout match against a professional team. Of course, I'd say we shouldn't normally lose it. But you also have to realise that the opponents have been in action for several weeks and have played several games and, on top of that, it's a cup game where anything can happen. Therefore, we're taking these opponents absolutely seriously as with any other opposition.
… targets for the new season: It's positive that the team has more or less stayed the same. We have both depth and quality in the squad and with Adam (Hlozek, ed.) gained another exciting player on top of that. Therefore, we can take a lot of insights and confidence from last season but we can't take any points with us. We want to improve in a lot of areas to be able to achieve better results. I feel good after the pre-season. The players have shown spirit and a good balance between fun and focus. You can see the ambition of the lads in training. You can feel a healthy aggression and necessary respect at the same time. We believe in our ability but we all know that the season starts with no points on the board.
The Werkself are away at Roma for the first leg of their 2023/24 UEFA Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday, 2 May (kick-off 9pm CEST). The Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team has all the info you need for the match at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital…
Show moreBayer 04 host AS Roma at the BayArena in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, 9 May (kick-off: 9pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know about how to get tickets.
Show moreBayer 04 entertain third-placed VfB Stuttgart in the penultimate Bundesliga home game. The match at the BayArena is today Saturday 27 April (kick-off: 18.30 CEST/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio). The latest information on the game, with fans again asked to follow traffic information, is here in the news in brief.
Show moreAfter three consecutive weeks of playing midweek, the Werkself have been preparing for the top-of-the-table clash against VfB Stuttgart over the past few days. Ahead of the home game on Saturday 27 April (kick-off 18:30 CEST, live on Sky), head coach Xabi Alonso praised the third-placed visitors and gave an update on the state of the pitch as well as personnel.
Show moreThere's no question: VfB Stuttgart are one of the biggest surprises of this season and have delighted their fans with exciting, successful attacking football. After suffering a rare defeat at Bremen last weekend, third-placed VfB are looking to get back to winning ways in this Saturday's big match against the Werkself (kick-off 18:30 CEST). The visitors will be without their playmaker in midfield, though. A look at our next opponents...
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