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."

Just in time for the start of the school year, everyone was hard at work again at NaturGut Ophoven. For the 21st time, Bayer 04 have supported the annual ‘BioBrotbox’ campaign, which puts together a healthy breakfast for first-year primary school pupils in Leverkusen – and not only contributed 1,904 muesli bars but also plenty of enthusiasm too: Together with the U19 players Burak Kir and Clinton Wilson, Emily Wallrabenstein and Paulina Platner from the Women’s Bundesliga team helped with the packing. The latter was clearly delighted “that Bayer 04 are helping out with regional projects like this and showing their commitment to the local community”.
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A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.
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The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
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“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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