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

Ticket-Infos Dinamo Zagreb vs. Bayer 04
Europa League - 19.10.2026

Tickets for the UEL away game at Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia

Bayer 04 are away to Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb on Matchday 5 of the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The game kicks off on Thursday 26 November at 18:45 CET at the Maksimir Stadium. All the information on ticket sales.

Show more
Ehrung der Fanclubs beim Heimspiel gegen Freiburg
Fans - 19.10.2026

During the home win against Freiburg: Bayer 04 honours eight supporters’ clubs for their decades-long loyalty

It wasn’t just on the pitch that there was cause for celebration around the Werkself’s 2–1 home win against SC Freiburg. Plenty of happy faces could be seen near the dugouts at half-time too. Once again, CEO Fernando Carro, alongside former striker and club ambassador Stefan Kießling, paid tribute to eight supporters’ clubs celebrating up to their 30th anniversary on behalf of Bayer 04.

Show more
Späte Torschützen: Damjanovic und Buck
U19 - 18.10.2026

4–3 in Bochum – U19s secure spectacular victory in stoppage time

It was a match that will live long in the memory of everyone involved: The Bayer 04 U19s celebrated their seventh win in seven matches in the DFB Youth League preliminary round – and yet it was a very special victory indeed: in the 4–3 (1–1) win at VfL Bochum 1848, no fewer than five goals came in the final quarter of an hour. As the 90th minute approached, coach Patrick Greveraars’s side found themselves behind, but then fought back in true ‘Laterkusen’ style.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04SCF
Bundesliga - 18.10.2026

Matchday news #B04SCF: Continue our strong home form against the league leaders

Under Carles Martínez, the Werkself have so far proved unbeatable at the BayArena. The Spaniard has led his team to victory in all three of their most recent home matches – and, it's worth noting, without conceding a single goal. On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST / live on DAZN and Werkself Radio), current league leaders SC Freiburg will make the trip to Leverkusen, but will be without their top scorer. What's more, the Werkself have won all three of their previous home matches against the Black Forest club. With a goal, Patrik Schick could not only secure a fourth consecutive victory but also set a memorable record. Meanwhile, on what will be the ‘Health Day' at the BayArena, much of the focus will be on physical wellbeing. Today's matchday news.

Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt
Werkself-TV - 17.10.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 7 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more