Seoane ahead of #B04WOB: Always take a critical look

The DFB Cup exit has been analysed and dealt with. All eyes at Bayer 04 should now be on the next matches in the Bundesliga and the Europa League. "We have a young team with huge potential. We have a lot of work to do," said Gerardo Seoane at the pre-match press conference and he specified: "Not just individually but also as a team. Not just technically and tactically but also in terms of mentality." It's his job, said the Swiss boss, "to interact with the players to restore confidence as quickly as possible and get back to winning ways."

Of course, the coach is aware it's not a done deal. "In today's world," said Seoane, "we are all impatient. We prefer everything to go right today. But it's not news that these developments take time." With the good start to the campaign made by Bayer 04, it looks as if "certain things have been ignored. That didn't happen to us," assured the Werkself coach. "We take a critical look. From the start. That's the way I work and I try to show that to the team so they can gain that mentality."

change of coach at the wolves

Saturday's visitors VfL Wolfsburg visit the BayArena after just having changed coaches. Mark van Bommel's period in charge came to an end on the last matchday after a 2-0 defeat against Freiburg. Florian Kohfeldt is the new head coach at the Wolves. "We've analysed the Wolfsburg squad as we do with every opponent. The coach can definitely make one or two changes," said Seoane who expects the Wolves to be a "physically strong" opponent with "a lot of individual quality."

DIABY suspended – "big question mark" over ALARIO

The Swiss coach will have to manage on Saturday without long-term injuries Julian Baumgartlinger, Charles Aránguiz and Timothy Fosu-Mensah as well as Patrik Schick (ankle) and Karim Bellarabi (thigh). Moussa Diaby misses out for the first time this season due to suspension. As the coach revealed at the press conference, there is a "big question mark" over the availability of Lucas Alario who missed the game against Karlsruher SC due to a muscular problem. What he meant was: "We'll have to see how he reacts to today's session. The health of the players always comes first. We’ll make a late decision on Lucas."

Against KSC, there was no denying the tempo and commitment of the Black and Reds at any point. However, there was a lack of determination and efficiency in front of goal. Gerardo Seoane: "The team's attitude on Wednesday was good. They put in a lot of running and never gave up. But they too often made the wrong decisions."

SEOANE: have to overcome hurdles as a team

It was clear to the Lucerne-born coach from the start that there would be ups and downs in this season. "If you're on the way up you try to keep it going as long as possible. When you're on the way down you try to intervene and change things as soon as possible," explained the Bayer 04 coach. It is a process within the team to overcome these hurdles together. "I'm convinced," said Seoane, "that the team will be able to build on the successful performances at the start of the season." Hopefully starting against Wolfsburg on Saturday.