The international break has provided Werder head coach Viktor Skripnik with a good opportunity to try out some new things in training, as well as introducing younger players to first-team...
The international break has provided Werder head coach Viktor Skripnik with a good opportunity to try out some new things in training, as well as introducing younger players to first-team...
The international break has provided Werder head coach Viktor Skripnik with a good opportunity to try out some new things in training, as well as introducing younger players to first-team life and keeping his current players fit and healthy. Whilst those called up for international duty are away with their respective nations, Skripnik is determined to use the break in domestic action "wisely". "The younger lads now have a chance to show what they can do. We don't just want to watch them from afar with their own age groups, but we also want to see how they work with us in training," said the head coach, who invited a number of Werder academy starlets to train with the first team yesterday.
Leon Guwara of the U23s trained with the first-teamers on Thursday afternoon - the youngster will also get the chance to show his skills in the upcoming friendly against Heeslingen. "There will be a mix of youth and experience in that game. It's an important game for the younger players - you could even say it's a reward for them," said Skripnik. Michael Zetterer will also be involved in the game - the goalkeeper was called up for duty with the Germany U20s, but will remain with his club after discussions between the DFB, Werder and the player.

Following Friday evening's friendly in Heeslingen (kick-off 17:30 CEST), Bartels, Fritz and the other Werder players will get two days off. "They've earned it," said Skripnik. At the beginning of next week, preparations for Werder's away game against Hoffenheim will begin, even though a number of internationals will still be missing. "We're not too upset about that - we're proud of our international players," ensured Skripnik. Although the boss won't be able to watch all of those players in action live, he's sure that they will "all put in good performances."
Thursday's training session took place without Philipp Bargfrede and Melvyn Lorenzen. Bargfrede picked up a knock on his foot in Werder's 1-1 draw with Hertha BSC, and whilst the midfielder starred in Sunday's victory over Gladbach, he will definitely play no part in Friday's friendly. "It's a shame that I can't be involved. I would have loved to have played, but there are tough tests waiting for us in the Bundesliga and I want to be 100% fit for those," said Bargfrede. Melvyn Lorenzen is also battling back from continuing problems with his knee, but is expected to return to training in the coming days - and finally, Özkan Yildirim was able to take part in full training today after successfully making his comeback from ongoing problems in his foot.
