“It’s a chance to experience great things as a team”

The first evening of cup action showed that the lower-league sides were benefitting from already having started their league campaigns. “The fact that their season is already underway is no disadvantage to them,” Werner said reflecting on the fact that Cottbus have already played two third-tier matches. “However, that is no excuse. We aim to progress and to show our class.”

Going out in the first round last year at Viktoria Köln has no significance for Werner. “That was a different kind of match and we have focused on enhancing the physical side of our game during the pre-season,” explained Werner, referencing the early red card in that game for Amos Pieper, as well as the two pre-season matches against Coventry und Stade Rennais, in which every first-team player got 90 minutes under their belt. “Cottbus is an opponent that looks to go about things differently to Köln. We know what we will be up against and have the clear intention of progressing.”

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SVW have already visited Lausitz for a first-round tie and that only two years ago. In the meantime, Energie have achieved promotion from the fourth to the third division. Despite the quality of the opponent, coach Werner is just focusing on his own approach. “Despite all their strengths, which we looked at in preparation and worked out how to combat,” emphasised the coach, “the main task is to bring our game onto the pitch. That means quick play, being sure at the back, good pressing and in the final third.”

Amos Pieper (muscle injury) and Dikeni Salifou (muscular problems) will miss the game in Cottbus ????#werder#fcesvwpic.twitter.com/Hoc1zfIIHT

— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) August 17, 2024