Two points from three games: Memories of 1999’s stuttering start
Posted by werdernews on August 31, 2008
The last time that Werder Bremen only managed two points from their first three games was back in the 1999 Bundesliga season. It was Thomas Schaaf’s first new season in charge and soon after the season started that year, Werder signed Claudio Pizarro. Back then Werder Bremen were certainly not considered a possible challenger for the title, which probably goes to explain how frosty the atmosphere is now, in 2008, after the first three match-days. Clemens Fritz came straight to the point, stating: „That is a botched start! We only have ourselves to blame. We certainly expected to be in a very different position in the table after three matches.“
Neither the performances nor the results have been satisfactory. Thomas Schaaf, who last week felt he had seen his side take a step in the right direction against Schalke, had to admit after the game in Mönchengladbach: „That was a big step backwards.“ General manager Klaus Allofs summed up on Saturday evening: „We must acknowledge now, that with the exception of the first half against Schalke, nothing has worked out this season so far the way we planned it. If we are to achieve our targets, then we can’t allow for such blackouts. That was a major shot across bows.“
Both the team and those in charge are hoping to learn from the errors which have been made and use that as a spring-board to get a good run going: „We have plenty to talk about to ensure the healing process begins here and now! We will again make it absolutely clear that no matter how good you may be, if you don’t put in the effort, you won’t have success.“ Allofs went on to say: „We won’t be making any new signings before the transfer window closes, but things are going to get a little uncomfortable for the players.“
source: werder.de
