Seoane ahead of Celtic clash: We’ve waited long enough

The first European away game of the season has taken Leverkusen to ‘Paradise’. That’s how the home fans refer to Celtic Park. The Werkself players got a first taste of it on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their final training session, but there’s one player in black and red who already knows his way around.

Frimpong wore the Hoops of Celtic from 2019 until he joined Leverkusen in January 2021. “It’s really great to be back. When we were driving through the streets to the stadium and I looked at everything, I was thinking back to my time here in Glasgow,” the right-back said.

The Netherlands U21 international was receiving messages from old teammates just moments after the draw was made for the Europa League group stage. “And I saw a few Celtic staff again just before training. I enjoyed that. But when the whistle goes for kick-off tomorrow, the only job is winning against Celtic,” Frimpong added.

Andrich out with cold

Coach Seoane is also looking forward to the “amazing atmosphere, great fans and a game full of attacking action. Finally playing in front of so many spectators again, we and our fans have had to do without that for so long.” But the Swiss tactician also knows that his team face a tough task. “Celtic will want to make life difficult for us. But we’re prepared for that,“ the 42-year-old stated.

Among the players who haven’t travelled to Scotland is Robert Andrich, who’s remained at home with a cold. Emrehan Gedikli and Exequiel Palacios have also stayed behind alongside long-term absentees Julian Baumgartlinger, Edmond Tapsoba and Timothy Fosu-Mensah. “Everyone here has a chance to play tomorrow,” Seoane said not wanting to reveal who could feature in his side at Celtic Park.

Further info on the match:
Referee: Marco di Bello (Italy)
Attendance: 55,000 (sold out)