Gerardo Seoane on…
…the structure of the next two weeks of training: In contrast to weeks with midweek fixtures, normal weeks present the opportunity to structure training better and to take your time. This week we were able to use the first sessions to get going and also analyse video footage in more detail. From this point we will primarily work on individual and physical issues. Next week we’ll go into tactical group elements and specific opponent-related match preparation. In BVB, we will face an opponent known for having lots of possession and passing football. We'll focus on that.
…. specific training content: We can take a lot a very positive things from the game against Salzburg, it’s going well but I also don't want to overestimate the game too much. There are certain points we can do better. We lacked accuracy in build-up play between the lines and and that led us to lose the ball too often going forwards. In terms of defence, we will primarily work on individual ball-winning – for example from corners.
… Exequiel Palacios’ back injury: It looked good to us this morning. He’s still in rehab and we’re gradually building up the workload. Of course, we will be happy to see him back next week but in the next two weeks we can and will take our time for suitable and effective rehabilitation – as with all the current injured players.
… Daley Sinkgraven’s possible return: Daley is still in the Werkstatt working with our staff. He started jogging this week and will probably slowly get back into training over the course of the coming week. But he won't be ready by the time of the Dortmund game.
… Paulinho’s recovery: We have carried out various investigations and he's been through several check-ups. He doesn't have any symptoms or any problems. However, our medical section have not given him clearance for high intensity training. But he’s already training on his own and, under supervision, working on the treadmill, bikes or on weights. To that extent it's a purely preventive measure.
… Julian Baumgartlinger’s current status: Baumi did his first passing drills yesterday. But we want to continue building him up gradually as we've been doing up to now. He is making good progress but there will definitely be more setbacks with the next increases in workload, which is completely normal. We don't have any specific timescales with dates in mind.
… a possible transfer move for Nadiem Amiri: It's a fact that discussions are taking place. But different factors play a role in the transfer like that – for the player, potential new club, but also for us. As a former player, I completely understand if a player is not happy with his time on the pitch or wants to move on after a certain length of time. That shows determination and ambition. We've communicated openly with each other from the start. Nadiem continues to give everything in training. To that extent, an agreement always means in the end that all parties are satisfied with the solution found – regardless of how it looks.
… Charles Aránguiz and his forthcoming international appearance: Experienced and, above all, versatile and technically gifted players like Charlie generally don't need much time to settle in and rediscover their rhythm. He worked well in his 25 minutes on the pitch at the weekend but we didn't want to take too many risks. Before he left, our doctors and physios gave him a complete check-up. We are also in regular contact with the staff over there to control the workload and we're also happy if he can feel good over there now.
Bosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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