Seoane ahead of #FCBB04: ‘We need to be very alert’

“Every matchday is absolutely crucial at the moment. We’ve got busy weeks coming up with lots of important games both in the league and in Europe. We will try to register as many positive results as possible,” explained Gerardo Seoane at the pre-match press conference.

The Swiss coach and his players face one of those intense games tomorrow night against Bayern Munich: “We will need to be very alert against Bayern to defend against the qualities they have in attack,” said Seoane. The Werkself also have to be courageous in phases of possession to pose a threat up front and also be able to use the space the hosts make available with their open and attacking style of play, Seoane added. 

FINISHING as common area for attention

The head coach gave the following explanation for Bayern not living up to expectations in recent games after their impressive start to the season: “FC Bayern’s results may not have been as desired from a Bayern Munich point of view but they are still ahead in lots of statistics such as possession or creating chances. They have incredible quality in attack even if they are perhaps less clinical at the moment,” the Swiss coach explained.

The situation for Bayern remind Seoane of his own team: “We’ve had games like that where we’ve created lots of chances but ended up without a result. Those negative and disappointing results obviously have an effect on the mood of the team. But we’ve taken the positives and in the last three games shown spirit and the desire to fight. The team has pulled together even more during the current phase and we want to continue to show that we want to finally get out of this situation,” the 43-year-old declared.

 Adli an Option

In addition to the players returning from international duty, Seoane could have another returnee available for the clash with the record champions: “All the international players have returned on time and fit. There’s also good news that Amine Adli could also be involved in the match. In terms of his injury, he has done well in the last two weeks and has been able to be involved in parts of full training this week. Therefore, it’s possible he could be with us tomorrow,” the Swiss coach announced. The coach did say that the game has come too early for Karim Bellarabi.

Seoane was asked about the Iran international Sardar Azmoun at the press conference. He found words of praise for the 27-year-old: “Sardar is a great role model with his commitment and the way he behaves. Of course, the situation has obviously caused great waves worldwide. Now it’s down to us to put an arm round him and support him in this difficult situation.” In the response to the follow-up question of whether the forward will travel to Munich, the coach replied, “We definitely want to have him with us and he will definitely want to come as well.”

praise for Tah, Diaby and Schick

The head coach also found positive words for Jonathan Tah and Moussa Diaby who stayed in Leverkusen during the international break: “It’s normal for players to be disappointed when they’re not called up. But Jona and Moussa are very critical of themselves and are responsible and they know how they have to handle it. They want to stand out through their performances and both were highly motivated in this week’s training. On the other hand, it was positive for us to be able to spend more time with the two of them and hold discussions and be able to go into individual things on the pitch.”

According to Seoane, Patrik Schick made a positive impression in the international between the Czech Republic and the head coach’s Swiss fellow countryman: “Patrick produced an intense but good performance. He was involved in lots of moves and was able to demonstrate his technical qualities. He scored a wonderful goal and earned a penalty. He also made a good impression when he arrived here in Leverkusen and this season he feels much better physically and has less problems. He leads the way and has a lot of energy.”

2,441 away fans in Munich

2,441 Werkself fans will make their way to the Bavarian capital to provide the best possible support in the clash with the record champions.