Seoane ahead of #BOCB04: ‘It will be a tough game’

The Swiss coach rates the side currently lying eleventh in the Bundesliga table to be a "strong team" and he expects a "tough game. They defend bravely and their game has good options in attack. They impress with their good transition play and they have a lot of tempo in their game through long balls. They showed that in the game earlier in the season," said Seoane before adding: "Bochum also have players with individual quality. They have a good target man (Sebastian Polter, ed.) and quick wingers." A high-paced game is to be expected.

The coach is also full of respect for the atmosphere at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion: "They are very strong at home. We have prepared for that intensively this week." However, that should not be daunting. Seoane declared: "As a coach you are happy if difficult games, as with the ones recently, are rewarded with three points. Now we're going into the last six matches of the season and it's about achieving the maximum and reaching our target."

Seoane: "can adapt our game"

As in the previous two matches, Seoane is again expecting another versatile approach from his team. "We are capable of adjusting our playing style – both individually and as a team. Going into the final stage of the season it is primarily about getting positive results."

The fact two central defenders in Piero Hincapie and Odilon Kossounou were playing on the flanks was due to the situation. "We had a lot of "physical presence" in our team. "That was very positive for the many set pieces. It's an effective method in the closing stages," said Seoane who was thoroughly satisfied with the performance of the two defenders in unusual positions. "Of course, there are always details such as space, height and distances that can be improved. But they did okay." And it should not be forgotten that Germany won the World Cup in 2014 with four central defenders at the back.

Seoane was also impressed with Paulinho playing as a 10: "He moved well between the lines in the last match and was active in the final third with shots on goal and passes. We could even be braver and play him there more often." Particularly as he will have gained plenty of confidence with his two goals at Wolfsburg. "You can see that in training. His body language is different. The two games have done him good."

question mark over Azmoun 

The Werkself head coach can call on Karim Bellarabi again for the match in the Ruhr. The midfielder did train on his own in the middle of the week but is now available for selection again.

In addition to long-term absentees Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Amine Adli there are doubts about Sardar Azmoun making an appearance. The Iran international is currently recovering from an infection: "We'll see if he's okay for Sunday and, if yes, then for how many minutes," said Seoane.

2,500 Leverkusen fAns at Bochum

The away tickets for the game at VfL Bochum have sold out completely. 2,500 Black and Red fans will be travelling to Bochum to get behind the Werkself at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.