Posted by werdernews on April 9, 2008
Just three wins in ten matches: Werder Bremen have hardly set the world alight in 2008.
The Green-Whites looked certain Champions League qualifiers during the winter break, but fourth place at the moment would only be good enough for a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.
Not enough goals
Werder’s trademark attacking football has faltered. They haven’t managed more than two goals in any of their games in 2008 (exception: the crazy 6-3 defeat in Stuttgart).
Werder have also been eliminated from the UEFA Cup by Scottish side Glasgow Rangers.
Diego’s dip in form
Goes Werder’s game hand in hand with the form of playmaker Diego? A look at the Brazilian’s season statistics at least suggests that.
Diego, too, has seemingly lost his form during the winter break.
Diego was outstanding in the first half of the season, scoring nine goals and creating a further six. In 2008 the Brazilian has scored three goals and failed to create a goal so far.
His last assist (for Hugo Almeida) came in the home match against Hertha on October 24, 2007. Diego hasn’t been creator in Werder’s last 33 goals.
It had been similar last season: eight goals and nine assists in the first half of the season were followed by just five goals and four assists after the winter break.
Diego set up his team-mates for 3.9 shots per game in the first half of the season. That ratio has dropped to 2.6 in 2008.
His dribblings are less successful, too. He completed 40 per cent in the first half of the season compared to 31 per cent in 2008. His crosses (36 per cent to 21 per cent) are less accurate, too.
Despite his dip in form Diego is still second in the Bundesliga’s scoring charts. His 18 points (twelve goals, six assists) are only surpassed by Luca Toni (19, 16 goals and three assists).
source: bundesliga.de
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Posted by werdernews on April 9, 2008
Torsten Frings returned to full team training with the rest of his Werder colleagues today: “I had some problems with my toe but it’s nothing major”, explained the midfielder following the session. Yesterday Frings was forced to pull out of team training and spend his time lifting weights but he is now steadily recovering from the injury: “I was out for such a long time and I think I’m going to need a few more games to get back in form but considering how long I was away, things are quite alright”, said the 31 year old.
More than just some light jogging was out of the question for Dusko Tosic. The full-back has been dealing with a muscular problem but is planning to return to the training pitch again this Thursday. Striker Hugo Almeida was unable to complete Wednesday’s session and was forced to take it easy but trainer Thomas Schaaf remarked: “Hugo has a bit of a hip issue.” The Portuguese international is not in doubt for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with Schalke though.
Tim Borowski, who was unable to complete the training session yesterday due to precautions concerning a problem with his left thigh, was out of action again today: “He’s not ready yet”, admitted Thomas Schaaf and continued: “We had hoped that he would be able to train today but it wasn’t to be.”
source: werder.de
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