Like a cup final

SV Werder and BVB both still have a chance of qualifying for Europe going into their game on Saturday (photo: nph)
First Team
Monday, 18.05.2015 / 16:39

On Saturday, 23rd May (15:30 CEST), Viktor Skripnik's side will take on Borussia Dortmund, who are also fighting for a Europa League place, in their final game of the season...

On Saturday, 23rd May (15:30 CEST), Viktor Skripnik's side will take on Borussia Dortmund, who are also fighting for a Europa League place, in their final game of the season. The Green-Whites are currently in eighth, one place behind their opponents as both sides are still battling for a place in Europe next season. "We are proud to have created this chance. We have to believe and not dream and therefore prepare in the right way. We'll do that in an intense manner," said Werder manager Skripnik on Monday.

The disappointment was evident after the final whistle on Saturday when Junuzovic, Gebre Selassie and Co. collapsed on the pitch at the Weser-Stadion. They were wanting to celebrate a win with their fans to thank them for their fantastic support. Despite their 2-0 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the table is still wide open according to Thomas Eichin: "The other sides didn't all win so this game is like a cup final. We're obviously going to try everything to spoil BVB's party," said the sporting director.

The feeling of disappointment is now over as the Green-Whites look ahead to their game against BVB (photo: nph)

Both of these teams sat in 16th and 17th respectively at the turn of the year but are both now hoping of qualifying for Europe thanks to brilliant second halves to the season. If Werder win and finish seven and BVB lose the DFB Cup final to Wolfsburg then SVW would qualify for the 2015/16 Europa League. "It'll be a tough, frantic game. 85,000 people will want to see Borussia win and they will be behind their team. We want to offer some resistance," said Janek Sternberg.

In addition to the slugfest that will take place in Dortmund, there will be another emotional event. Jurgen Klopp will take charge of his final game before leaving Borussia Dortmund after seven years in charge. "We know that it is not just a season finale, but something that will be very emotional. Of course it's great that we are the opposition in such a big game, but that doesn't really interest us. We want to give our best and we'll see what happens," said Junuzovic.  

Thomas Eichin is looking forward to the clash on Saturday (photo: nph)

His teammate for club and country Sebastian Prödl is in a similar situation to Klopp as the game will be his last in a Werder shirt and he is focusing solely on the weekend. "The fact that my last game has Europa League stipulations is great. The task at hand is very hard, but we want to qualify. Nothing is impossible in football and we have proved this season that we can grind out important points away from home."

Spoiling Dortmund's farewell to Jurgen Klopp will play a secondary role for the centre back. "We want to win and that is the only thing we are focusing on," said Prödl. Franco Di Santo agreed with that by saying, "We will do everything to win." "We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain," continued the Argentine. "We have no idea what will be waiting for us. The fact of the matter is we need to take risks and be more aggressive," added coach Viktor Skripnik. Nevertheless, the manager is optimistic going into the final game against BVB. "We have won several times away from home so why can't we do the same in Dortmund?"

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