Marco Bode interview

Marco Bode, were you surprised by the Pizarro loan deal?

Marco Bode: No, I had already heard a few rumours. I think it’s a good solution for Werder. The season will show whether it’s a top solution. Werder have definitely improved up front for the season. And if Pizarro plays well I could imagine that he stays longer, even if Werder don’t have an option to buy.

W hat can Werder hope for?

Bode: Above all, I hope for a lot of goals, of course. Werder have signed an international top striker. He didn’t have many opportunities to show that at Chelsea, but he has great ability and I think that Werder hope for 15 or 20 goals in return.

What are Pizarro’s strengths?

Bode: He is a complete striker, quick, strong, good in the air and with both feet. It all fits very well. He has no special qualities, but overall he is a striker above average.

How did he develop in recent years?

Bode: I think that he’s close to the level he had when we were playing together. He went on to play for top clubs such as Bayern and Chelsea, but he didn’t play regularly. That doesn’t mean that he stagnated, though. He already was at a top level when he left Werder. But I think that he had his best time with Werder, as far as sport is concerned.

That might have played a part in joining Werder…

Bode: Definitely. He knows coach Thomas Schaaf and that he prefers attacking football. Pizarro fits into Werder’s concept very well.

Where will Pizarro stand among the Werder strikers?

Bode: I assume that he will be seeded in the first place. There surely will be no guarantee, but he didn’t come from Chelsea to sit on the bench. The pressure on Rosenberg, Sanogo and Almeida will surely grow.

What is Werder’s outlook this season?

Bode: Werder are among the three or four clubs that could win the title. I think it’s a closer affair at the top and Werder can use a player of Pizarro’s quality, and not only up front. Claudio is a striker who also works in defence, and that’s always important for a team.

source: bundesliga.de