Doubts over Jensen and Almeida

The manner in which the Werder players should be approaching the up-coming Bundesliga clash with FC Bayern Munich is quite clear. Learn from their mistakes, put Famagusta behind them and head off confidently towards Munich, where they will clash with Bayern on Saturday, 20.09.2008 (kick-off 3:30pm).

Mesut Özil feels the match against the German champions has come at just the right time: “We’re looking forward to the Bayern game. They have good individual players, but we are well aware of what we are capable of too,” said the 19 year old, who has set his sights on getting another chance in the starting eleven, as against Anorthosis: “I want a place in the first eleven and that’s why I give my all week in, week out.” Diego considers the roles in the North-South derby to be clearly appointed: “In a top match like this the chance of winning is always 50-50. It’s a difficult game for us but it won’t decide the championship.” The Brazilian playmaker did note though that improvements will have to be made if they are to better the meagre turn-over of just one win in the first four games.

To add to Werder’s woes, both Hugo Almeida and Daniel Jensen are carrying knocks and look doubtful for Saturday’s game. Trainer Thomas Schaaf explained: “They are both questionable for Saturday. Daniel took a blow to the ankle and Hugo has a back problem.” Both players missed training on Thursday afternoon. On a more positive note, captain Frank Baumann has recovered from his back problem and was able to return to training, as was Perti Pasanen, who recovered from a cold and has been back amongst his team mates since Monday.

source: werder.de

Allofs: To criticise the attitude would be too shallow

Even on Wednesday morning, the players and those responsible at Werder Bremen were still clearly marked by the disappointment of the previous evening’s draw with Famagusta. For general manager Klaus Allofs, exactly that was a positive sign: “It has nothing to do with having the wrong attitude, thinking that would be too shallow. The fact that there is still a sense of disappointment in the changing room is proof that, in our search for a reason for the result, we certainly don’t need to doubt the will of the team,” explained the 51 year old, who had made himself exclusively available to take questions from the press.

Allofs went on to once again underline his criticism of the team that, at the moment, they are not capable of dominating potentially weaker opponents to such an extent that it is mirrored in the results: “We are doing exactly the opposite at the moment, we are strengthening weaker teams. In Gladbach they had made a poor start and were living in fear of their own crowd, but then we approached the game in such a way that we gave the opponent a boost. That was the problem yesterday too. Famagusta were here, playing in the Champions League for the first time. They had a lot of respect for us and we should have made better use of that. We should have made it clear that we were playing at home in the Weser Stadium and that we are the team with the experience of five years in the Champions League behind us.”

The Green-Whites have already begun repairing the damage: “We must now take something positive from the disappointment, improve things and move forward. During phases when things are not going quite so well, you’ve got to get stuck in, battle your way back and force your opponents into making errors. I am sure that we can bounce back.”

source: werder.de

“A real boost”: ‘Merte’ bounces back

Less than ten minutes after Sunday’s training had finished, when Aaron Hunt – who was back amongst his team mates for the session – found himself back in the dressing room. At the same time, Per Mertesacker was pulling into the Weser Stadium parking lot. The central defender had a schedule of post-match wrap-up, regeneration and some physical nurturing to go through. It was a physical balm for ‘Merte’ after his first full week back, which included 90 minutes against Energie Cottbus.

“In the last 20 minutes I really felt the intensiveness of the last few days. They weren’t easy to just shake off,” explained the 24 year old, and he continued: “But it was exactly those 20 minutes that were a real boost for me as I try to return to form.” Mertesacker is well aware that he has a lot to catch up on, having missed out on the pre-season programme: “Physically I am still not fully fit, but that really couldn’t be optimal right now, I’m still working on that.” In spite of playing catch-up, the young defender could certainly be satisfied with his return.

Not quite as far along, but headed in the right direction, is also Aaron Hunt. The young front man was back in team training on Sunday for the first time in almost four weeks. Hunt’s lay-off was forced by a combination of calf and Achilles tendon problems: “It’s all good now. I had a little pain at the beginning, but after five minutes of warming up the pain had passed,” explained the 22 year old. Head coach Thomas Schaaf is “not counting anything out just yet but the Champions League game on Tuesday, 16.09.2008, could be a little too early for him.” Hunt himself is not about to jump the gun either: “It would be nice to be there, but if that isn’t to be then it’s not such a tragedy.” Not available at the moment is Petri Pasanen. The Finnish defender is currently ill.

source: werder.de

Mask or no mask – making amends for a “disastrous match”

First he wore it to protect his recently operated nose, but not for long! Torsten Frings discarded his carbon face mask during training on Wednesday and continued with the session: “I completely forgot to put it back on,” admitted the 31 year old at the end of training. The midfielder has had no pain and no problems with his nose throughout the course of the week.

With the developments of the week considered, the signs are positive for the German internationals involvement against Energie Cottbus at the weekend: “I don’t think that I will need the mask on Saturday,” said an optimistic Frings, who is looking to guide Werder to their first three pointer after a poor start to the season: “If we battle, really give our all, then we will be able to make our technical superiority shine through. But technical ability alone won’t be enough,” explained Frings, who continued: “That disastrous match in Gladbach is behind us now, but we know that we still have to make amends for that.”

All going well, Per Mertesacker could also play a role in Bremen on Saturday. The central defender has confirmed the positive impression that he made over recent days. ‘Merte’ returned to full team training at the beginning of the week: “At the moment it looks very good, we are delighted about that but we are not playing tomorrow, rather on Saturday, so we can give no guarantees right now,” remarked trainer Thomas Schaaf. So far Boubacar Sanogo, Sebastian Boenisch and Mesut Özil have already returned from international duty to work with their club.

Naldo, who still hasn’t fully recovered from an ankle tendon strain, is today, on his 26th birthday, set to go through an individual programme, as is Aaron Hunt. Due to his calf injury, Hunt is out of the reckoning for the clash with Cottbus, but his recovery is coming along bit-by-bit: “I might even be able to train with the team again on Sunday,” noted the 22 year old attacker optimistically.

source: werder.de

No easing up on the reins from Schaaf

On Tuesday, coach Thomas Schaaf set forth his preparations for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Energie Cottbus together with the remainder of the Green-Whites players who were available. In spite of having just a small group at his disposal, which had no personal changes compared to the participants from Monday, Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf demanded all his men had to offer. At the beginning of the week the trainer explained: “The intensiveness of training is exactly the same as when we have the complete squad available. With such a small group we can omit the tactical team issues but there are other things which we can practice.”

Schaaf looked back contentedly on the 10th ‘Elite Trainer Forum’ which he visited in Geneva at the end of last week. Along with trainer colleagues Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger & Co, the Werder coach took the opportunity to discuss the newest developments in football: “There were subjects discussed which are of particular interest to the trainers. It’s not just about general or organisational questions, but rather about new trends which are important for us in doing our jobs,” explained Schaaf, who had no qualms about mingling with his internationally renowned colleagues: “Amongst that group, Werder Bremen are surely not one of the biggest clubs. With our prerequisites, we are a long, long way from the top clubs in Europe but, considering the work we have done in recent years, we have earned a great deal of respect and are delighted to be a member of this circle of clubs.”

source: werder.de

Mertesacker back in action

He was directing the men ahead of him in a training match, making sliding tackles, winning challenges and playing decisive passes from the back to open up the opposing defence. Per Mertesacker finally made his return to full team training on Monday afternoon after a lengthy absence.

“Everything went really well, I had no problems. I had an instant feeling for the ball once again – you don’t just lose that. The more delicate things are not so important for my game,” explained the German international later and could summarize his involvement by simply stating: “A good start.”

Head coach Thomas Schaaf joined in with the positive tones of the central defender: “Per made a good start to training.” The lofty defender worked extremely intensively towards making his return: “There is always a huge question mark over the exact moment when a player should return to training, but I think we chose well. I was able to prepare without any pressure and now this relief after such a long time away is proof that all the effort was worth it.”

In July, just one day after his return from holiday following his European Championship involvement, the 23 year old twisted his left knee and had to undergo surgery on his meniscus. Subsequently there were several weeks of intensive work to go through at the rehabilitation clinic in Donaustauf, with DFB physiotherapist Klaus Eder, before returning to Bremen for the final touches. Hopes are now high that Mertesacker could be fit to make an appearance against Cottbus on Saturday.

source: werder.de

One masked man, but no Hunt, as the week’s training begins

Werder Bremen have a masked man in their ranks once again. In recent years both Miroslav Klose and Frank Baumann appeared on the training pitch in protective face masks following nose injuries. This morning it was Torsten Frings who turned up for the training session with a mask to protect his recently operated nose. The German international was very positive about his first session back amongst his team mates.

“The mask does its job and it doesn’t cause any constraint. It’s just a case of getting used to the fact that there is something on your face which tickles a little. I have the whole week to do that though,” said Frings, who is convinced that he will be fit to play a part at the weekend: “I will be able to play on Saturday. I don’t know if I’ll even need the mask for that.”

Trainer Thomas Schaaf has every fate in his vice captain: “Wearing the mask is a precautionary measure because the break is certainly not completely healed and his nose needs some sort of protection. If he can continue to train normally over the coming days, then I expect that he will be involved.”

Central defender Naldo is also optimistic about his chances of being involved against Energie Cottbus, as is Peter Niemeyer, who has recovered from his knee problem and is ready to get back into the thick of things. Unfortunately the situation with Aaron Hunt is not quite as positive. Since his return from training with the German U21 national team, the attacker has been suffering with a calf problem.

source: werder.de

Two points from three games: Memories of 1999’s stuttering start

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

Merte’ back in Bremen at the weekend / Niemeyer with knee problem

Whilst eight of Werder Bremen’s first team players were in action all across Europe on international duty in a round of friendly games on Wednesday evening, the rest of the team continued to intensively prepare for the first home game of the Bundesliga season against FC Schalke 04.

Midfielder Peter Niemeyer was also absent from team training on Wednesday: “He has a bit of a knee problem,” explained trainer Thomas Schaaf. “We will have to wait and see how things develop.” Aaron Hunt is also currently going through a period of rehabilitation. The 22 year old suffered a muscle sinew tear to his calf during the season opener against Arminia Bielefeld.

Per Mertesacker, who recently underwent meniscus surgery, is now also improving on a daily basis: “Per has made good progress and will be back in Bremen at the end of the week,” said Schaaf. Until then he will continue to work at the rehabilitation clinic of Klaus Eder, the physiotherapist from the German national team, in Donaustauf, Bavaria. “He will then continue his recovery programme here.” Almost exactly four weeks ago, on 22.07.2008, Werder’s 23 year old central defender incurred a knee injury during his first training session with the Green-Whites since returning from his post European Championship holiday.

source: werder.de

Thomas Schaaf: “You can’t pass up a chance like that”

Thomas Schaaf is very happy about the expansion of his Werder Bremen squad. Claudio Pizarro has been released to the Bundesliga side on loan for one year from English Premier League side FC Chelsea. At Tuesday’s press conference to officially present the striker as a Werder player, Thomas Schaaf was also very much in demand. Werder.de took note of the most important questions asked and the coaches answers.

What were the reasons for the decision to sign Claudio Pizarro?

Schaaf: “When you have the opportunity to sign Claudio Pizarro, you can’t pass up a chance like that! The reaction of the people here is an indication of just how popular he is and the sort of impression he left upon them. Of course he will need some time to settle down but I am quite convinced that he will find his feet very quickly.”

Did his wealth of experience give the final push towards Claudio Pizarro?

Schaaf: Normally the first point of focus for us is quality and age doesn’t play any role in that. When a player like Claudio Pizarro can also bring experience into the mix, then that is a good thing that we can benefit from. That’s why we didn’t opt for a young player who still needs to develop this time.”

How does the battle for places in attack look?

Schaaf: I expect everyone to bring his qualities into the team and that every other player can profit from that. Of course a striker is always rated by the number of goals he scores but what he brings to the team is also important. That’s what Claudio is here for! In every possible formation available to us – be that with two, three or four attacking players – we can combine well.”

source: werder.de

Click here to view Claudio Pizarro profile page with videos and pictures.

Reunion, acclaim and six goals

As head coach Thomas Schaaf and new signing Claudio Pizarro quickly made their way from the official press conference to the training pitch, a number of on-lookers formed a spontaneous guard of honour to cheer on Werder’s new, old face.

On his arrival, the 29 year old did get to see two very familiar faces from days gone by – team captain Frank Baumann and Torsten Frings, who was back in full team training having recovered from his muscular problems. And it wasn’t long until the Peruvian striker was notching up his first goal – and five more followed. “It was a great feeling to be out on the pitch with the lads and it was really a lot of fun, although the full squad are not back yet,” explained Pizarro.

Nine Werder players are currently away on international duty. Only Finland’s Petri Pasanen was forced to pull out of his nations friendly against Israel in Tampere on personal grounds and had to remain in Bremen. The defender is hoping to be back in Finland’s national squad for their World Cup qualifiers in September – which include a clash with Germany. With Serbian having been eliminated from the Olympic football tournament, Dusko Tosic has also rejoined his club team mates.

source: werder.de

Click here to view Claudio Pizarro profile page with videos and pictures.

Gondola trip in Green-White

On this occasion Thomas Schaaf didn’t make his statements on the training pitch, but rather 1,2 kilometres above the ground. The Werder trainer was invited to take a mountain trip for his interview on Friday in Schruns, with a camera team. And WERDER.TV was also on hand to capture the proceedings.

690 Meters:
It couldn’t be just coincidence that the hosts from ‘Löwen-Hotel’ picked gondola number ‘1’ to drape in Green-Whites flags and scarves. “And off we go,” declared Thomas Schaaf as the cart swung into motion.

800 Meters:
The trainer had just a wry smile as the gondola took off from behind the team hotel and slowly made its way up the 2,520 meter high ‘Hochjoch’. The coach had also brought along the bulk of his trainer-crew. Matthias Hönerbach, Michael Kraft and trainer-student Ronny Teuber were all along for the ride. Wolfgang Rolff couldn’t make it.

867 Meters:
Jürgen L. Born was there too. The clubs chairman joined Thomas Schaaf at the back of the gondola and peered out at the view: “Always look up – never down,” is normally the order of the day to avoid acrophobia, but neither paid any heed to that on this occasion.

1050 Meters:
A clearance was made through the forest to make room for the lift. Along here there are apparently bicycle routes for those brave enough to face the trek on a bike.

1335 Meters:
The restaurant ‚Kropfen‘ marks the half-way point. Here the passengers in the opposing wagon were astounded to get a glimpse of the celebrities alongside them.

1420 Meters:
Here the gondola driver drew down a ladder to allow our fearless cameraman climb out onto the roof and get some very unique pictures. Thomas Schaaf looks as if he’d very much like to follow the cameraman.

1855 Meter:
Mountain stop ‚Kapell‘. The complete crew made it to the top safely and soundly. A slight amount of panic broke out at the mountain top restaurant as they spotted the Green-White troops. First of all there was an opportunity for the other tourists to grab a couple of autographs before the Werder officials could take a seat and enjoy some cake and a coffee.

900 Meter:
Unfortunately there wasn’t much time to really enjoy the view before the crew made their way to the gondola for the trip back down the mountain.

690 Meter:
And back in the valley, it was time for normal service to resume. A quick change of clothes and it was time to get on the bikes and head down to the training pitch – the third session of the day for Thomas Schaaf and his trainer team.

source: werder.de

Frings Demands New Striker At Werder

On return from his extended holiday following the European Championships, Frings has called upon the Bundesliga club to purchase a fourth striker.

“We need another striker” he said in an interview with Kicker.  “Its not that the ones we have aren’t good enough, but that three is not enough if we are going to playing around 60 games this season.”

With Werder having the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League to compete in this season, Frings believes that Hugo Almeida, Markus Rosenberg, and Boubacar Sanogo need support in the striking department.

Frings however doesn’t believe that youngster Martin Harnik, who performed for Austria at Euro 2008, is the man to fill the role.  “He is a young player, who shouldn’t have too much pressure put upon him.”

The 31 year old on the other hand doesn’t want to criticise club manager Klaus Allofs for not bringing in a top striker already.  “The strikers that will improve us cost a lot of money” he admitted.

He allured to the purchase last summer of Carlos Alberto, who arrived for a club record fee and then proceeded to become one of the biggest flops in club history.  “You saw how money could be quickly spent and how you got nothing back.”

The German international also believes Bayern are the favourites for the Bundesliga title.  “If everything runs smoothly, then they have to be champions” Frings confessed.

source: goal.com

Werder: We Can Replace Diego

Werder Bremen have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after midfielder Diego flew out to join the Brazilian Olympic squad against the club’s wishes.  If their appeal is unsuccessful they will be without their midfield star until at least 24 August.

That would mean him missing the German Cup first round tie against Nordhorn (9 Aug), the opening Bundesliga game against Arminia Bielefeld (16 Aug) as well as the big match against title rivals Schalke (23 Aug).

There is however no cause for panic say some of Werder’s key players, who believe that they can cope with the absence of the Brazilian.

“We’ll get through the three games without Diego” confessed Torsten Frings, while Frank Baumann said: “Diego is an important player, but are in a position to replace him for a certain period of time.”

The club had to make do without their midfield maestro last season.  Werder beat Real Madrid in the Champions League while Diego was out suspended.

They also had to cope without him in the league following his red card against Eintracht Frankfurt.   “Even then we compensated for his mistakes” quipped keeper Tim Wiese.

source: goal.com

1st training: “With caution but intensity”

Under a relatively clear sky and in idyllic surroundings, trainer Thomas Schaaf beckoned his 25 man squad out for their first training session in Schruns, Austria. The complete team cycled the 500 meters from the hotel to the sport facility ‘Wagenweg’, where they then went through a 90 minute programme. As had been announced at lunchtime, the focus was on the tactics within each individual area of the team.

“Move the individuals, move the group,” is the trainers motto for the week in ‘Montafon’. “We need to file on our tactical direction and communication,” explained the Werder coach, who went on to say: “The players need to understand the question – ‘What possibilities and what obligations do I have in which situation?’ They then need to communicate that to their team mates.”

The coach specifically emphasised that their efforts need to be concentrated on the proven Werder system of play. With as little time, and as many players, as Werder’s training team have at their disposal this week in Schruns, there are always strained elements according to Schaaf, in particular we it comes to the basics. In short: Werder’s second training camp has gotten underway according to plan.

source: werder.de