The new Swiss coach’s fourth Bundesliga game in charge of Bayer 04 promises the same high-class play as the previous matches. “Dortmund are an ambitious club who want to be at the top. They’ve got a lot of quality in their squad, especially in attack,” Seoane explained before also stressing that “we want to and will have a say in matters. Every opponent offers possibilities. We won’t hide away.” It’s an approach that’s worked well so far for the Werkself.
The opening 1-1 draw at Union Berlin was followed by two comfortable wins over Borussia Mönchengladbach (4-0) and at Augsburg (4-1). The home victory over the Foals is one that Seoane would like to use as a benchmark. “Like against Gladbach, it’ll be important to get into the game immediately and find each other as quickly as possible,” the 42-year-old said.
The atmosphere in the sold-out BayArena was fantastic on that Saturday evening. New coronavirus measures mean around another 2,500 spectators will be allowed in for the game with BVB. “We’re delighted we’re playing at home, in front of our fans,” Seoane stressed. A maximum of 17,605 people will be present to witness the game.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Edmond Tapsoba and Julian Baumgartlinger are the squad’s long-term injury absentees going into Saturday. Apart from Exequiel Palacios, Piero Hincapie and Charles Aránguiz, all international players are back and free of injury. While the latter two definitely won’t be in the matchday squad, Palacios could be involved in some capacity. “He should land in Europe tonight, then we’ll see whether he’s physically ready to play tomorrow,” explained Seoane, who can at least call upon Lucas Alario and Karim Bellarabi once again following their lay-offs.
Further info on the match:
Referee: To be confirmed on the day of the game
Attendance: 17,605 (sold out under coronavirus regulations)
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
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