As with every match, the Swiss coach has gathered a wealth of information from a number of people about the forthcoming opposition - in this case Union Berlin. One of them: Robert Andrich. The Werkself midfield dynamo played for Union up to the summer of last year. “Of course, we’ve spoken to Rob to find out what made it easier or more difficult for him and Union against opponents last season,” explained Gerardo Seoane at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
There is no question the Leverkusen head coach and his team face opponents in the first fixture of the year who are “resilient and well-organised. They know exactly how they want to play and have a clear plan.” In addition, the team under Seoane’s countryman Urs Fischer have a player in versatile forward Max Kruse who can always play a “decisive role.”
In the first match of the year, Leverkusen will definitely have to manage without five players: Julian Baumgartlinger and Charles Aránguiz are injured, Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou are involved in the Africa Cup of Nations.
In addition, Seoane announced on Friday that Nadiem Amiri has tested positive for coronavirus. “He has recovered, had two vaccinations and a booster but is now infected again. That shows what a huge challenge the situation presents for us and the whole of society,” said the Swiss boss. “Coronavirus will influence who is available to work in football and society. We all have to come to terms with that. There are lots of other places, such as hospitals, where absences will have a much greater effect.”
There is a question mark over the availability of Exequiel Palacios after he injured his back in training at the start of the week. According to Seoane, it “will be decided over the course of today or tomorrow” if the Argentinian can be included in the squad.
The absences affect positions in central midfield and central defence. Nevertheless, the coach believes his team is ready for the opening match of 2022 against Union. “We’ve got the options and enough players in the squad to fill those positions who we have great confidence in,” said the 43-year-old. One of those is Piero Hincapie who is definitely available after returning from his home country of Ecuador after being in quarantine due to coronavirus.
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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