Back
1.05.2022Bundesliga

Seoane ahead of #B04SGE: A close race right to the end

The Werkself play their penultimate home game of the season against Europa League semi-finalists Eintracht Frankfurt on Monday 2 May (kick-off: 20.30 CEST). Victory at the BayArena could secure third place for the team under head coach Gerardo Seoane and that position would ensure Champions League qualification. Seoane is calling on his players to be fully focused and highly motivated for the game against the team from Hessen.

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."

a very good week in training

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."

FRANKFURT with physicality and big squad

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."

question mark over Demirbay 

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.

Andrich and Hincapie provide options

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."

Related News

Tag der Gesundheit bei Bayer 04
Sustainability - 21.09.2026

Health Day at the BayArena: interactive workshops and exciting programme of events

Calling all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.

Show more
Post-Match-Interviews mit Flekken und Gutiérrez | Bundesliga, 4. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Flekken: 'Take the points and good feeling'

Goalkeeper Mark Flekken and goalscorer Miguel Gutiérrez spoke to Werkself-TV after the 2-0 win at home to RB Leipzig on Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga...

Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more
TV highlights of 2-0 win against RB Leipzig
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

TV highlights of 2-0 win against RB Leipzig

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-0 win against RB Leipzig on Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...

Show more
Miguel Gutiérrez und Facundo Medina
Bundesliga - 20.09.2026

Werkself impress in 2-0 win over RB Leipzig

Bayer 04 produced an impressive display from start to finish as they maintained their perfect home record this season with a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig on Bundesliga Matchday 4. Patrik Schick opened the scoring just before half-time, with Miguel Gutiérrez getting his first Werkself goal to wrap up the three points at the BayArena, where fans also got to enjoy the family matchday activities.

Show more