Back
20.10.2021Europa League

Seoane ahead of #BETISB04: 'Can't deviate from our game plan'

Matchday three of this season's Europa League campaign takes the Werkself to Spain. A day ahead of the away match at Real Betis on Thursday, 21 October (kick-off: 18.45 CEST), Bayer 04 head coach Gerardo Seoane shared insights into his connection to the South European country. New signing Piero Hincapie, who also took part in the press conference, talked about his relationship with his South American teammates.
crop_20211020_JS_BetisB04_MD-1_0851.jpg

The Spanish journalists in the compact media room at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, painted in the club colours of green and white, had an easy ride: Both Seoane and Ecuadorian new signing Hincapie answered the questions from the Spaniards in their own language. The head coach explained: "My parents are Spanish and we always spoke Spanish at home. We usually used to come here on holiday. Part of my family still lives here today and I also have a Spanish passport."

praise for opposite number Pellegrini

In his home away from home, Seoane with the Werkself faces Real Betis who are currently eighth in La Liga. "They're going through a good phase. We definitely can't deviate from our game plan and we need a controlled performance," said Seoane. The Andalusians are just two points behind second-placed Real Madrid in the league. The experience of the hosts is not to be denied as the Swiss boss explained: "They are a strong group, play with determination – but they also have high individual quality." And with Manuel Pellegrini, a coach who, according to Seoane, "has made his mark wherever he has worked. He is very intelligent and experienced. A great personality."

Andrich an option

In addition to Julian Baumgartlinger, Charles Aránguiz with a calf injury is another central midfield player who is ruled out by injury for the match in Seville. Seoane: "Of course, it's sad because Charly is very important to us." But the 42-year-old talked about the strength of other candidates for this position in the squad: "We are happy that Robert Andrich is available again after suspension in the Bundesliga. He's a very important player with his strength in the tackle."

Exequiel Palacios has not had much time on the training ground since his cold, Nadiem Amiri has slight thigh problems after picking up a knock in the game against Bayern Munich.

Hincapie: "the lads are helping me a lot"

Piero Hincapie, who joined Bayer 04 from his home country of Ecuador in the summer, has played in the previous two Europa League group matches. The 19-year-old has said he has settled down well in his new home of Germany – also due to the many South American, Spanish or Portuguese speaking teammates. "Charly (Charles Aránguiz, ed.) and Co. talk to me a lot and that has made it very easy for me to settle in," said the versatile defender who was last in action for Ecuador in the South American World Cup qualifiers. "I feel 100% fit in spite of all the travelling." That includes the away match in the south of Spain.

20211020_JS_BetisB04_MD-1_0842.jpg

Related News

crop_20241018_VK_Training_Frauen_7976.jpg
Women - 21.06.2025

Women: Bayer 04 extend contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman

The Bayer 04 Women's team coaches remain in place: The Werkself have extended the contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman by two years to 2027. The 30-year-old will continue to assist head coach Roberto Pätzold along with fellow assistant coach Friederike Mehring.

Show more
Sergi Runge
Youth - 20.06.2025

Youth: Coaching structure for 2025/26

The head coaches of the U16 to U19 youth teams at Bayer 04 welcome some new faces to the coaching staff for the 2025/26 campaign. Overview of new set-up.

Show more
Sommerfahrplan der Frauen
Women - 18.06.2025

Training starts on Monday: The 2025 summer timetable for the Bayer 04 Women

The Bayer 04 Women are enjoying their richly deserved summer break up to 23 June following the best Bundesliga season in the club’s history. Six weeks after last season’s final matchday at VfL Wolfsburg (1-3), head coach Roberto Pätzold will welcome his squad for the first training session at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre on Monday morning. There will be a break in the preseason from 20 July to 3 August before training resumes on Monday, 4 August.

Show more
Sommerfahrplan Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 17.06.2025

Friendlies in Rio, Bochum and at Chelsea – season opener on 5 August

The Werkself summer timetable is taking shape. The team under head coach Erik ten Hag will play four friendlies following the training camp in Rio de Janeiro (14 to 24 July). Bayer 04 are away to VfL Bochum, Fortuna Sittard and Chelsea. Another friendly is planned for the season opener at the BayArena.

Show more