“One of the most demanding tasks”

Despite a stunning away victory at the German champions, the post-game procedures were the same as always. SVW analysed the game together the following day and then quickly switched their focus onto SC Freiburg. “The week is short and we’ve got a very different game with very different things to focus on ahead of us,” said head coach Ole Werner. “It’ll need a different kind of physicality. We’ll need to defend lots of long balls and crosses in the penalty area. We have to be 100% alert, because Freiburg have a very clear plan for every in-game situation. That’s one of the most demanding tasks.”

Looking at his own squad, Werner is spoilt for choice: Two key players in Marvin Ducksch and Leonardo Bittencourt are set to return to the fold following their one-game suspensions. “Two important players are coming back and everyone who played in Munich did a good job – that makes my life harder,” the 35-year-old explained. “I can only be wrong in the eyes of the individual player who doesn’t start, but I can only make the right decisions for the team. Those are the tough decisions you’d like to have as a coach since development depends on competition for places.”

Their upcoming opponents have developed into permanent candidates for the European places. Thus, the next tough challenge lies in wait for the starting eleven that the coaching staff end up selecting. “Everyone knows the kind of quality awaiting us,” head coach Werner said. “We want to approach the game with self-confidence because we’ve gained stability and have picked up our points against teams at both the top and the bottom of the table. We want to continue this positive development and we need a top performance to do so – we all know that.”

????️ Ole Werner on the squad:
“The suspended players are back; none of the players with injuries are fit yet, unfortunately. It might be a while yet for Veljkovic, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back in action after the Mainz game.”#werder#svwscfpic.twitter.com/mMtXtzTw7f
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) January 25, 2024