The 3-2 defeat at Mainz 05 has been analysed in detail over recent days and this week's training sessions have primarily focused on intensity in the individual areas. "We are mainly missing tenacity in challenges and clarity in our moves," declared Gerardo Seoane at Friday's pre-match press conference. "Therefore, we have worked on our attacking game and we want to improve our penetration down the flanks," added the coach.
Seoane: "expect restricted space"
As with Mainz, the Swiss coach sees Bielefeld as a primarily strong defensive and compact defending team: "We expect restricted space and therefore we need solutions and simultaneously good defending with good pressing." Seoane added: "To create an advantage in numbers against a compact opponent we need to move the ball more." The 43-year-old coach also warned against the threat from Bielefeld counter-attacks.
Schick, Bellarabi and Lunev sidelined
Seoane will have to manage without striker Patrik Schick. The Czech Republic international suffered a torn muscle in his left calf in the last Bundesliga match against Mainz. Midfielder Karim Bellarabi (muscle) plus goalkeeper Andrey Lunev (ankle ligament) are still unavailable for selection.
Andrich fit for Bielefeld
Sardar Azmoun and Julian Baumgartlinger are still in rehab training. Baumi was able to join in with all the sessions in training this week while Azmoun completed three sessions on the pitch after recovering from an infection. But playing the winter signing at the weekend is seen as too much of a risk.
Midfield dynamo Robert Andrich returned to full training two days ago and is available for the match against Bielefeld. The Werkself number eight was rested at the start of the week.
