Gerardo Seoane to Bayer Leverkusen: Tactical Preview and What to Expect
Over the past three seasons, few managers in European football have achieved domestic dominance quite like Gerardo Seoane at BSC Young Boys. The Swiss coach guided his team to an impressive 81 points in just 35 matches, finishing almost 30 points ahead of runners-up FC Basel. Seoane’s success has not gone unnoticed, with many Bundesliga clubs eager to secure his signature. Ultimately, Bayer Leverkusen succeeded and will welcome the innovative coach ahead of the 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign. This article explores the tactical philosophy and changes fans can anticipate under Gerardo Seoane at Bayer Leverkusen.
Preferred Formations and Formation Flexibility
Throughout his tenure at Young Boys, Seoane rarely deviated from a well-structured 4-4-2 formation. However, his system was far from rigid: during attacking sequences, it frequently morphed into a 2-4-4, with fullbacks pushing high and wide while the wingers cut inside. In many attacking phases, the formation even resembled a 4-2-2-2, with narrow interiors supporting the two forwards and fullbacks providing width.
This tactical flexibility allowed Young Boys to be both direct in attack and compact in defense. Seoane’s teams prioritized rapid vertical movement, looking to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly. At Leverkusen, similar tactical principles are likely, even if a traditional 4-4-2 is not always possible given the squad’s composition.
Last season, Leverkusen rotated between a possession-centric 4-3-3 under Peter Bosz and a more fluid 3-4-2-1 system with Hannes Wolf. Unlike Young Boys, Leverkusen did not deploy a 4-4-2 at all, suggesting some adaptation will be necessary for both players and coach. For example, a 4-2-3-1 might get the most out of creative wingers like Leon Bailey, Karim Bellarabi, and Demarai Gray, who are best utilized higher up the pitch. Nevertheless, Seoane’s preference for a front two could bring new opportunities, especially with strikers such as Lucas Alario, Patrik Schick, and Joel Pohjanpalo available. Yet, with all three being target men, pairing one with a more mobile partner, like Moussa Diaby, could enhance attacking variety.
In central midfield, Leverkusen has several hardworking players similar to those Seoane relied on at Young Boys. The likes of Kerem Demirbay, Nadiem Amiri, and Charles Aranguiz offer defensive stability and composure on the ball, while defender Edmond Tapsoba’s ability to launch long passes fits perfectly with Seoane’s direct approach.
Implementing a Direct and Vertical Attack
Seoane is renowned for favoring direct and vertical football. Even under possession-minded Peter Bosz, Leverkusen averaged 67 long passes per game—third most in the Bundesliga—reflecting a readiness to shift to a more direct style. Seoane’s approach revolves around advancing the ball quickly through both passes and runs, often targeting wide spaces for forwards to exploit rather than simply lofting the ball toward the penalty area.
This strategy plays to the strengths of several current Leverkusen attackers. Lucas Alario can operate as a classic striker, while pacey wingers—such as Demarai Gray, Karim Bellarabi, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey—can stretch opposing defenses and create space through their runs behind the backline.
Crossing is another key feature. Last season, Leverkusen averaged 20 crosses per match, also ranking third in the league. These typically came from the right side—an area that may require reinforcement following Lars Bender’s retirement and Tin Jedvaj’s limited involvement. Seoane’s prior Young Boys side relied heavily on attacking fullbacks like Silvan Hefti, suggesting Leverkusen may seek similar signing(s) or tactical evolution in the right-back position to sustain width and supply in attack.
High Pressing and Organized Defensive Work
A relentless high press characterized Seoane’s Young Boys—winning possession quickly and suffocating opponents in their own half. This aggressive, high-tempo approach is also ingrained in Bayer Leverkusen’s tradition, but the past season saw a decline in pressing efficiency, with the team posting the fewest interceptions in the Bundesliga.
Seoane’s arrival should see a return to a high-energy, more organized press. Wingers like Diaby, Bellarabi, and Bailey are well-equipped to fit into a pressing system but will need to further refine their defensive awareness and consistency. Under Seoane, expect adaptability: the formation may shift between a 4-2-2-2 high press and a 4-4-2 mid-block depending on the opponent, ensuring tactical flexibility while maintaining defensive discipline.
While adapting his Swiss template, Seoane must also consider the different demands of Bundesliga football and the unique skill sets of his new squad. For example, although the 4-3-1-2 pressing shape occasionally featured at Young Boys—especially against midfield-heavy opponents—it might not be optimal given Leverkusen’s winger profiles. Instead, Seoane is likely to mix and match pressing shapes and responsibilities to best fit his available talent.
What Seoane’s Appointment Means for Leverkusen’s Future
Seoane’s arrival at Bayer Leverkusen signals a shift back toward direct football, high pressing, and tactical innovation. While he hasn’t yet managed at the very highest level in Germany, Seoane’s adaptable methods and winning mentality provide exactly what a promising—if relatively unproven—Leverkusen squad requires.
If the players adapt to his rigorous standards and pressing style, Leverkusen could not only rejuvenate their Champions League ambitions but also recapture the dynamism that has historically defined the club. Seoane represents both a fresh start and a return to effective, high-octane Bundesliga football—making the upcoming season one to watch for fans and neutral observers alike.
