Schaaf: “We want to continue playing attractive football”

It’s started again! On Wednesday afternoon, Werder Bremen began their preparations ahead of the 2008/2009 season. Werder.de met up with trainer Thomas Schaaf for a chat.

Werder.de: Mr.Schaaf, during the European Championships, many teams displayed very attacking football. Does that confirm your more offensive basic policy?

Thomas Schaaf: “Not all teams were ultimately successful in their attempts to make an impression with attacking football, but it is clear to see that it is the kind of football that enthuses the masses. Many aspects, which are a part of our game, were clear to see at the European Championships. Things like being secure on the ball, quick passing and effective counter attacking were all on display.”

Admittedly, not all of your players were able to assert themselves on the tournament. How would you evaluate the performances of the Werder representatives?

Thomas Schaaf: “We are very satisfied with our players, but I have very different evaluation criteria. Often there is unnecessary pressure put on the players.”

When the new season’s final whistle blows in May 2009, what will you hope to have achieved?

Thomas Schaaf: “We want to continue playing attractive football whilst elating both the fans and the players. We want to do what we really enjoy but of course we want to be at the top. If that can mean first place, then we would be happy to accept it. Our opponents haven’t gotten any weaker though and it will be quite a battle with some of them. Bayern will be the side to reckon with once again.”

source: werder.de

The fitness test was just for starters: “The first ten days always hurt”

As the 16 Werder players, in completely new training kits, left the changing rooms of the Weser Stadium to being pre-season training on Thursday, the heavens opened and the rain poured heavily down.

Nonetheless, trainer Thomas Schaaf’s men went through the usual performance analysing fitness test under the watchful eyes of sports scientists from the University of Paderborn. Contrary to the tradition in recent years, following the fitness tests, the Werder contingency didn’t head directly for their training camp on Norderney this time around.

The week of preparation on the North Sea island will not being this year until July 14th, but the change of date does not mean there will be any change in the intensity of the preparations. Team captain Frank Baumann hit the nail on the head stating: “Regardless of we’re on Norderney or here, the first ten days always hurt.”

As general manager Klaus Allofs announced, midfield playmaker Diego is expected to join up with his team mates by 14.07.2008. At the very latest, by the time the second training camp begins in Schruns, Austria, the complete Werder squad is expected to be back on board and available.”

source: werder.de

Klaus Allofs: “We don’t buy players just to look at them”

Klaus Allofs is planning on staying true to Werder’s internal policies. At the press conference in connection with the Green-Whites season start, Werder’s general manager explained that he will be, as he has in the past, approaching the transfer market calmly, sensibly and in calculated fashion “We don’t buy players just to look at them. Of course public pressure is increasing but it’s not as easy to get the big names anymore. We want to sign players who fit in with us,” explained Allofs.

“The players need to be good and also affordable, if they have big names, then that’s a good thing too. We are much more interested in signing players who can become ‘real crackers’ with us – players who may not have the fans smacking their lips, but genuinely strengthen the squad. That’s the way we want to go.”

Klaus Allofs doesn’t believe that Werder are at any sort of disadvantage so far as experience is concerned, just because of their relatively young squad: “Our team have played in the Champions League and came second in the German championship. The players that we have are now also a year older and have learned a lot. You can’t honestly call them inexperienced.”

source: werder.de