The fact SC Freiburg are close pursuers of RB Leipzig and the Werkself with two matchdays to go is no surprise to Gerardo Seoane. "We've known for several weeks that it will be a close race right to the end. Freiburg are very effective and on a good run." He believes it's a good idea to primarily look at your own games, your own performances and your own development. In concrete terms for the Swiss coach: "We’ve prepared very well for the Frankfurt game – physically and mentally."
The Werkself have trained intensively and with focus this week. "There was a good drive and intensity. That's why we gave the players another day off after two sessions on Friday," said the 43 year-old football coach. The team is very focused and motivated for the remaining three matchdays.
Looking at the table is not crucial for Seoane: "We should focus on what we can influence ourselves. We have to do our homework and first of all invest all our strength in the game against Frankfurt."
Seoane did recognise the performances of the Eagles in the Europa League: "Eintracht’s European performances have thrilled us all. It's good for German football if two German teams were to be in the final of this competition."
The 43-year-old coach describes the approach of the visitors as "physical and dynamic." The previous meeting with Eintracht revealed difficulties with their physicality and quick transition play. The Swiss coach is expecting the same for the match on Monday night in spite of the extra workload for Frankfurt: "I'm sure that Frankfurt always give 100 per cent. Of course, there are different mental strains in comparison to European competitions. But they have a big squad. Lots of fresh players are keen to play and they want to use the opportunity to show what they can do."
They are a team with lots of qualities according to the Werkself head coach who does believe he is well prepared for the penultimate home game of the season. "We are ready. And, of course, we have the means to cause Frankfurt problems."
In addition to the absence of long-term injured players Amine Adli, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, it is "highly doubtful" that Kerem Demirbay will play. The Werkself number 10 has only trained individually this week due to a toe injury and he was unable to train with the squad. "However, there is a small chance he will have less pain tomorrow morning and will be able to do a bit of work with the ball. But the chances are very low," said Seoane about the current fitness of the midfielder.
The Swiss coach found words of praise for Robert Andrich and Piero Hincapie. After the Werkself players were both suspended for the 4-1 away win against SpVgg Greuther Fürth, they are now fit and available the next encounter: "We’re happy that they're both back. They have always produced consistently good performances," said Seoane. "Their return gives us an extra strength in depth in the squad and therefore more options during the game."

At the end of the winter training camp in Portugal, the Bayer 04 Women convincingly mastered their friendly ahead of the start of the second half of the season. In the match against Swiss league leaders Servette FCCF, coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 3-0 at the Monte Gordo Sports Complex. Carlotta Wamser (4’), Vanessa Fudalla (18’) and Loreen Bender (53’) scored for Bayer 04, who have been preparing for the Rückrunde in the Algarve since last Saturday.
Show more
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
Show more
Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
Show more
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
Show more
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more