“Focus on what we can influence”

There are still doubts surrounding several players and their abilities to feature for the Green-Whites this weekend. Niclas Füllkrug (calf), Marvin Ducksch (illness) and Eren Dinkci (foot) are still waiting to be cleared to play in Gelsenkirchen. “We will prepare ourselves for every and all possibilities,” said Werner. “We also need to first wait and see what happens.” The coach added that he has “several ideas in mind,” but that he’s “hoping to know for certain” soon.

Regardless of which players take to the pitch on Saturday night, the Green-Whites will be hoping to take the chance to secure safety. A win against Schalke would be enough, provided that Stuttgart lose to Gladbach on Saturday afternoon. “My approach all year has been to make sure we perform to our best right until the final matchday,” said Werner. “I haven’t been doing any calculations so far. We need to play to our best in order to win games in this league and we can only focus on what we can influence – namely, the game against Schalke.”

The Royal Blues are currently in 17th place, but have improved in the second half of the season. “They made some good signings over the winter and the coach [Thomas Reis] has introduced a structure to the team,” said Werner. “Schalke need every point they can get, which will be obvious on the pitch. Their passion and single-mindedness has given them life in the relegation battle. We need to make sure the energy from training this week is evident out on the pitch.”

????️ Ole Werner on the squad situation:
“There are a few question marks. I don’t want to rule out Niclas Füllkrug from being fit to play, but we have to take it day by day with everyone. Amos Pieper will probably be available.”#werder#S04SVWpic.twitter.com/DQEmPc5ijR
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) April 27, 2023