“We need to be on our A game”

The Green-Whites’ will have to travel to Munich without two of their key men this season, as Marvin Ducksch and Leonardo Bittencourt have accumulated too many yellow cards and are suspended for the match. “It’s normal to have that at this stage of the season and it gives other players a chance to prove themselves,” explained Ole Werner. SVW’s head coach kept his cards close to his chest during the press conference. “We still have a lot of options and players who are champing at the bit to play – it’s an opportunity for them.”

It goes without saying that Werder will need to be fully switched on for the duration of the game against FC Bayern. Werner has a clear idea of what his side will have to do in order to take something from the match. “We’ve got to defend well and be brave when we have the ball,” explained the 35-year-old. “For us, it’s all about staying focused when we’re on the counter and ensure that we still have bodies at the back in those moments. We need to be on our A game throughout the full 90 and hope that Bayern aren’t at their absolute best. That being said, we’re preparing for the challenge with what we have available to us.”

The away clash against top-of-the-table FC Bayern will definitely be the biggest and most demanding of the season so far, but the Green-Whites’ preparations for the fixture are the same as ever. SVW are fully aware that the home side will likely take control of the game. “We’ll have to mentally adapt to having less possession than we usually would,” Werner added. “In the moments where we do have the ball, we have to make the most of our chances. We could dwell forever on the fact that Bayern are the league frontrunners, but it’s important that we just focus on ourselves.”

????️ Ole Werner on the squad:
“Veljkovic, Pieper, Opitz and Angelidis will be absent due to injury. Bittencourt and Ducksch are currently suspended. Keïta is at AFCON, and we’re still waiting to hear whether Julián is eligible to play.”#werder#fcbsvwpic.twitter.com/djSiYAJNEl
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) January 19, 2024