The game between SC Paderborn and Werder on Sunday will be special for Florian Hartherz. The 21-year-old played at Bremen between 2011 and 2013 and he also made...
The game between SC Paderborn and Werder on Sunday will be special for Florian Hartherz. The 21-year-old played at Bremen between 2011 and 2013 and he also made...
The game between SC Paderborn and Werder on Sunday will be special for Florian Hartherz. The 21-year-old played at Bremen between 2011 and 2013 and he also made his Bundesliga debut with the Green-Whites. Now in the end of season run in, three important points are up for grabs for both sides when he takes on his former club.
Hartherz spoke to WERDER.DE about the difference between the two clubs, why the move to Paderborn was exactly right for him and what he's expecting from the game on Sunday.
WERDER.DE: You've got a special game coming up on Sunday against your former club. What feelings do you have going into the game?
Florian Hartherz: It's both nice and special to play against your former club. It's great to see your former teammates again. There's no question that I'm excited!
WERDER.DE: Are you still in contact with your former teammates?
Florian Hartherz: Unfortunately not with a lot of them but that's professional football for you. However I have met up with Özkan Yildirim on a few occasions since leaving Bremen. We played in the same youth teams together. I'm delighted to see that he is back playing again after his injury. I haven't been in contact with him much recently but if we see each other on Sunday then we'll definitely exchange a few words.

WERDER.DE: What are the differences between Werder and SC Paderborn 07?
Florian Hartherz: You can't really compare Werder Bremen and SC Paderborn 07. They are two completely different worlds. That's clear when you look at the budgets for the two teams. Werder Bremen is a top club, who played in the Champions League for many years. For Paderborn, this is their first season in the Bundesliga. You have to look at the set-ups at both clubs: Werder has 13 training pitches, Paderborn only one. Werder is a bigger and more experienced Bundesliga club, who have been established in the league for a long time. Paderborn are just starting to write their Bundesliga history.
WERDER.DE: Despite a small budget, SCP are competing with the supposedly bigger clubs. Before the season began, many had Paderborn down as favourites for relegation. How is it that you're ahead of clubs such as Stuttgart and Hamburg?
Florian Hartherz: We function well as a team. That's our biggest strength. We know that we can hold our own with other teams in the Bundesliga if everyone gives their all on the pitch. We've had some bad luck in a few games but that always happens. You are punished for the smallest mistakes and we've learnt a lot in that respect.

WERDER.DE: You played for the Green-Whites for two years before moving to Ostwestfalen last season. Was it the right move to make at your age?
Florian Hartherz: Overall the move to Paderborn was right for me. I've been able to play regular football there and have learnt a lot from the 2. Bundesliga. As a youngster, game time is the most important thing. We got promoted to the Bundesliga in my first season at Paderborn and no one can take that away from me. In the Bundesliga I'm maturing bit by bit to become an experienced player.
WERDER.DE: The game on Sunday is important for both sides. What are you expecting from the game?
Florian Hartherz: I think that the fans will see a fiery game, in which both sides will be battling for every inch. We need the three points to avoid relegation. Werder also want to win to not lose touch on the Europa League places. Neither side will hand out a win. One thing I can definitely say is that it'll be tough for Werder in Paderborn.
WERDER.DE: A final question: is there a party planned if Paderborn stay up?
Florian Hartherz: We're taking the run in a week at a time and aren't letting ourselves get distracted. If we stay up then we'll definitely celebrate (he laughs).
