Following the Thursday night meeting with a physically strong Italian team, Seoane is also expecting a physical approach from the opposition in the next game against FC Köln: "We saw yesterday that we have to work to adjust to a physical game."
The 43-year-old coach did admit that it was not possible to process all the issues from the last match within two days. However, it is important to name them: "We have to learn to control the ball in spite of resistance to be able to reap the benefit from the situation," said the Swiss coach.
Seoane: impose our game on opponents
Seoane primarily identifies individual and team dominance as the crucial factor: "Our target has to be to force our passing game and our tempo on the opponents. We have to show our strengths at the moments where it gets tough." said Seoane. "We know we can play high level football quickly and directly with few touches of the ball. But with certain opponents you need other skills such as using your body."
In Munich as well as in Bergamo it was evident "that we can change our system during a game and do well with it," said Seoane. He did not want to reveal which system – with a back three or a back four – the Black and Reds would employ against FC Köln: "I haven't fully decided which formation we will play. Today we are analysing the last data and images and are waiting for a report back from the medical section."
FC Köln with power up front
As with Atalanta, the coach is expecting the Cologne side to play on the front foot: "They are rightly where they are in the table. They've had lots of good games, play offensively, proactively and with courage." According to Seoane, crossing and strength in the air plays a part including from FC Köln striker Anthony Modeste: "We won't be able to prevent everything but we have to reduce probability to a minimum. By disrupting them so that they cannot play their usual game," said Seoane.
Above all, the Swiss coach believes mentality will prove decisive: "We know what to expect from Köln – energy, pressing. We are confident about our quality but our main job will be to show at least equivalent power and intensity."
Derby Atmosphere – 22,658 capacity
Seoane is looking forward to the derby atmosphere on home turf: "Even if it is difficult with the current circumstances in the world, we are looking forward to the match, to the fans reception for the team bus and the emotion on Sunday." A crowd of 22,658 is expected at the BayArena – equivalent to 75% full capacity. That is the maximum currently allowed according to the coronavirus protection order for North Rhine-Westphalia.
Demirbay back in the squad
Good news: Seoane will probably have no injury worries from the Atalanta match. In addition, Kerem Demirbay is back in the Werkself squad after not travelling to Bergamo due to suspension. The Black and Reds number 10 completed a full training session together with Karim Bellarabi and a number of youth players on Wednesday. Midfield dynamo Robert Andrich completed the first part of the session and yesterday worked individually with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin. Andrich and Bellarabi were back on the training ground on Friday morning.
Seoane sees a return to the squad for both players as realistic: "Both have progressed really well this week. They should be available from a physical angle. But it's always a balancing act of how much risk you take with the first game. That requires close consultation with the medical side."
