In answer to the question of the highlight of his first six months at Leverkusen, the Swiss boss immediately thought of 21 August, the day of his first Bundesliga match at the BayArena. "For everyone, the game against Mönchengladbach was the first home game in front of fans after months dominated by the pandemic. That felt really great," said Seoane, who was able to celebrate a convincing 4-0 win along with a crowd of 15,105.
The victory over the Foals was the start of a run of wins – the only match ending in defeat was the spectacular encounter with Borussia Dortmund (3-4). This period also included the 4-0 victory at Celtic in the Europa League group stage. "One of those great European nights," said Seoane on Thursday briefly indulging himself in memories.
But the 43-year-old quickly turned his attention to the future just before the end of the year as the first match in 2022 against Union Berlin is on 8 January.
Seoane is only missing Julian Baumgartlinger through injury at the moment. The Austria international underwent an operation on a knee injury in the summer and will shortly continue with his rehab. Edmond Tapsoba, Odilon Kossounou are also ruled out as they are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Piero Hincapie is stuck at home in Ecuador due to a positive Covid-19 test.
That means the Werkself are currently without three central defenders. "When something happens it all comes at once and in one position. That was the case with the strikers in the autumn," said Seoane, who – as we know him in the meantime – sees a challenge under the circumstances. And that's one that the coach is certainly can master with the players and his fellow coaches and staff.
One role in the defensive thoughts of Seoane involves U19 central defender Sadik Fofana alongside established players in the squad (Jonathan Tah, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Panos Retsos). The 18-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in all the U 19 Bundesliga West matches so far this term. "He has a good physique, stature, height and the ball-winning ability of a defender," said the Werkself head coach in praise of the youngster. He also emphasised: "But he hasn't been at the top level of football for long and has to develop over the next 18 months." In addition, there are considerations of bringing other defensive U19 players into training sessions or converting another Werkself player from a different position into a central defender.
In spite of the players missing in defence, Seoane believes his team is well prepared for the start of the second half of the season. One reason is the "strong characters" within the team. The Swiss coach: "The players are determined to get better and make progress. I feel that every day." In addition, there is a good team spirit between all the management and players.
Lukas Hradecky and Co. face normal Bundesliga schedules in January and February in contrast to the closing stages of 2021. The first double fixture week for the Black and Reds comes in March. "That's new for us, it can have an effect on being fresh – but doesn't have to," declared the Werkself head coach. "But there is also the chance of working more with the team during the week. And the physical strain is different when there isn't a match every three days."
Rüdiger Vollborn has been at the club for 40 years, he holds the record number of Bundesliga appearances for the club (401) and is the only Bayer 04 player to have won both the UEFA Cup (1988) and the DFB Pokal (1993). And the Berliner stayed with the Werkself after ending his impressive playing career as he worked as a goalkeeping coach for the following nine years. Vollborn now works under the Bayer Cross as a fan liaison officer and club archivist. Since February 2021, the personalised Black and Red lexicon takes Werkself fans under the heading of 'Rudi recounts...' on a brief trip through the history of Bayer 04 every month…
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From special edition jerseys to fan banners, the home game against Mainz 05 was all about the many Bayer 04 fan clubs. Accordingly, a fitting tribute to the long-standing Werkself supporters was not to be missed during half-time in the Bundesliga match. Fernando Carro, CEO, honoured the up to 50-year anniversaries of six fan clubs in front of the coaches' benches at the BayArena.
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It is an expression of solidarity and a tribute to the unique fan culture Under the Cross: Bayer 04 Leverkusen make a special statement with the "50 Years of Fan Clubs" jersey. To mark the founding of the "First Fan Club 1976 Leverkusen", which was followed by many more over the years right up to the present day, the Bundesliga club is commemorating 50 years of passion with this new jersey. Highs and lows, successes celebrated together as well as defeats suffered are manifested in this piece of white fabric, a symbol of unwavering identification with the Werkself.
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There’s lots going on at the BayArena today. The home game against FSV Mainz 05 is all about the numerous Bayer 04 fan clubs, whose birth - the founding of the "1. Fanclub 1976 Leverkusen" - dates back 50 years. A number of fan club representatives will be involved in awards, a banner display and a half-time matchday chat, and the Werkself are set to play in a special white fan club jersey. During half-time, Leverkusen mayor Stefan Hebbel and javelin world champion Steffi Nerius will also talk about the Olympic bid involving Leverkusen. Black and Red fans are advised to get to the stadium in good time today. Matchday news.
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The Werkself host Premier League club Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on 10/11 March. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.
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