The next opponent is famously always the hardest. The fact that the game against Werder Bremen will indeed be a tough one was emphasised not only by BVB coach Edin Terzic the day before the game. The facts attest to this too. As does the history…

Werder Bremen are in a state of upheaval and, accordingly, are finding their feet in the 16th month after their promotion. The team have three points fewer on the board than at the same stage of last season. The standings currently show the club from the Weser down in 14th position.

The facts indicate that things could have gone differently. Bremen suffered two of their five defeats through late goals conceded in stoppage time – in the 92nd minute against Hoffenheim and in the 96th in Freiburg – which has cost them two points and four places in the table. And with better chance conversion, they could have picked up more points. Only two teams have created more “100% chances” than Werder throughout the course of the campaign. “We know that they did not have an easy period in terms of results,” said Terzic, “but we know about the opponent’s quality, we know how dangerous they can be and are preparing to face a really good Werder Bremen.”

And then there is also the history, which could cloud the picture. Yes, Borussia Dortmund have only won more games against Frankfurt (49) than they have against Bremen (47) in their Bundesliga history, but the record from the last five meetings at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is even with two BVB wins, one draw and two home defeats – the last of which was the historic 3-2 loss where they had led 2-0 up until the 89th minute of the match. “I don’t need to remind you of what happened last year against Werder,” stressed the coach, who was quick to focus on his own team and look forward.

“We’re now in the region of the table in which we want to be. You can see that the football is getting better, that the boys are getting more confidence, that the fluidity is coming back,” said Terzic. The personnel situation also bolsters the performance level. “The boys are fighting for their places.” Terzic believes it is good “when you have a lot of tough decisions to make as a coach”.

The aim is for those tough calls to result in Borussia Dortmund successfully overcoming the difficult task they are expecting and being at the top of the table come Friday night, “even if it’s only for one night” (Terzic).
Boris Rupert