“Then at some point I’ll just have to be better”

Amos Pieper is currently enjoying working hard with the Green-Whites in preparation for the new Bundesliga season. Having recovered from a broken ankle, the centre-back got injured once again on his comeback at the beginning of April in Frankfurt. “That was an evening where I didn’t feel quite right,” admitted Pieper, “The pain was very familiar to me, I was just asking myself how it could have returned again?” Even after these ankle problems, he is back on the training pitch right on time for the beginning of preseason.

These difficult days are now behind Werder’s number 5, who would like to get up to speed with his teammates as quickly as possible. Having played just eight competitive games last season, Pieper would like to register plenty more appearances again this campaign. “I would like to get back out on the pitch again and get into a routine,” explained the defender. “I have a little bit of work to do to catch up, but I also know what I can do and have to get that back through hard work.”

Pieper has been spending his afternoon’s off at Fichtensee alongside physio Florian Lauerer, who also supported him with the mental side of things during his time out injured. He has been taking the cable car up the mountain and then cycling back down. In the coming days, the U21 European Champion with Germany will keep working alongside his teammates in order to strengthen his chances of appearing in the side. “We are six centre-backs for three positions, but that’s part of it,” emphasised Pieper. “At some point, I’ll just have to be better.”