analysis
The performance was improved, but in the end it was against Freiburg that the next defeat came: Bayer Leverkusen couldn’t get going. And now the stressful weeks begin.
The bare numbers are terrible: three defeats in three home games, five bankruptcies in six competitive games, the worst start to the season in 40 years – Bayer Leverkusen is in a bad way after five weeks of the 2022/23 season. After the 2:3 (1:0) home defeat against SC Freiburg, the main focus is naturally on coach Gerardo Seoane.
But he still got demonstratives later on Saturday evening approval from his boss. “Of course he has our full backing and trust”said Managing Director Simon Rolfes: “No question.” So Seoane doesn’t have to worry about his job as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen. At least not for now.
“That’s easy to explain”
Seoane’s team certainly didn’t act as confused against the new leaders Freiburg as they did in the previous home defeat against Hoffenheim (0:3). For Rolfes, the performance was even “better than last week” at the actually redeeming 3-0 in Mainz: “We could have walked away as winners.” This supported Freiburg coach Christian Streich: “We could have lost 4-3.”
Midfielder Robert Andrich didn’t want to look too deeply into the reasons for the crisis either. “Two standards and an individual error, that’s easily explained”said the midfielder: “Leaving here with zero points is absolute shit.”
Champions League as a solution?
But it is precisely the helplessness that makes Bayer’s crisis so dangerous. Because there were few solutions on Saturday. That of all things on Wednesday with the game at FC Brugge Champions League begins could not be more inappropriate at first glance. But Seoane saw it very differently. “It may be that a different competition can set a different focus”said the Swiss.
Ever saw Seoane “very positive approaches”. And there actually was. So the first goal of the season by Patrik Schick, who scored 24 times last year, after 417 unsuccessful and unlucky minutes with a few great chances missed. “It’s always positive for a striker when he scores”said the coach.
Strong debut from Hudson-Odoi
In addition, the debut of Callum Hudson-Odoi extremely promising. The one on Tuesday from FC Chelsea loaned winger was substituted in the 60th minute. Less than four minutes later, he prepared Schick’s goal and set many other accents. “He immediately had the desired impact on the game,” said the coach. “I’m satisfied with my performance”said the England international: “But it’s not about me, it’s about the team.” And it’s still deep in crisis.
