Opener against ‘resilient’ Union – Amiri tests positive

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.”

Quintet missing – question mark over Palacios

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.

confidence in every individual player

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.