With temperatures barely creeping above freezing and an icy covering of snow on the trainings pitch, the week got underway for Werder Bremen’s players with the Champions League clash with Real Madrid and the north German derby at the top of the agenda. Despite the horrid weather conditions, Thomas Schaaf was able to gather together a capable group of healthy players. The Bundesliga clash with Energie Cottbus passed off without any further injuries and even Martin Harnik, who rested up on Sunday with an ankle problem, was back on board.
For one player in particular it was the beginning of a difficult day. Brazilian playmaker Diego trained with his colleagues in the knowledge that his red card against Lazio Rome means he will not be available for the prestige game against Real Madrid: “It’s really bitter that I can’t take part in the game. I’ll watch the game in the stadium although I know my feet will itch all the more the closer I am to the proceedings.” Werder’s number ten is quite sure his colleagues have what it takes to put one over on the Spanish giants: “Our team is strong enough to be successful. The trainer has a number of possibilities in my position. Daniel Jensen, Tim Borowski and Carlos Alberto have all played there but it’s also possible that the coach has a surprise up his sleeve”, commented the soaked Brazilian before heading into the sanctity of a warm changing room.
Tickets for the tie are still available with the Spaniards and UEFA having returned their unused allocations. Tickets can be ordered at the call centre at: Tel. 01805 937 337 and can only be reserved with a valid credit card number. The tickets are available from €50 and are exclusively for the Werder Bremen versus Real Madrid tie on Wednesday, 28.11.2007.