Gerardo Seoane looks back at the DFB Cup tie at Lokomotive Leipzig (3-0) with the same positive attitude as he does for the past week in training. The 42-year-old: "We were very well organised and professional in the game in Leipzig. Over the past few days, we've worked intensively on the match against Union and I'm in good spirits now. In addition, There is plenty of proactive communication and the team committee is taking responsibility both on and off the pitch."
Seoane not only has a positive assessment of the football at Bayer 04. The Swiss coach further detailed his impressions of the club: "We have very great expertise in all areas beginning with the board. My direct contact is Simon Rolfes who I work very closely with – as was the case with Christoph Spycher in Bern. It was important to me to discover an environment that supports and backs me up."
Bayer 04 will have to manage without Florian Wirtz for the Bundesliga opener in the capital. The youngster is still ruled out due to injury. In contrast to the cup tie in Leipzig, Paulinho is now back on board. The striker won a gold medal at the Olympics in Japan with the Brazil team and he returned to training during the week. "Paulinho has returned with positive energy and is match fit. He's absolutely an option. Even though he has some strenuous weeks and a long journey behind him, he can help us out with his ability," said head coach Seoane.
The assertiveness and ball control of the 21-year-old could be needed against FC Union Berlin who, according to Seoane, "have established themselves in the Bundesliga the past few years with their playing and battling qualities." One of the main factors in the success of the first German participants in the Europa Conference League is head coach Urs Fischer. The 55-year-old comes from Switzerland like his opposite number at Leverkusen and he "worked very successfully in Switzerland and is now doing it again in the Bundesliga."
Seoane and the Werkself can expect an emotional and intensive first Bundesliga game in front of a good crowd.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself-Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
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A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
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With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
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