As wonderful as the 5:1 win over FC Schalke 04 was, one must see the game in its true context. In retrospect, it was evident that the Green-Whites played better than in Berlin but not quite good enough - something that should be kept in mind when they take on Hansa Rostock this evening (8pm kick-off).
Torsten Frings picked a direct connection between the triumph over Schalke and the task ahead at the DKB-Arena: “The game tonight is only worth something if we can really prove ourselves. If we lose and Schalke win against Cottbus then we fall behind them again and the win was worthless.”
That particular target will be in view for the Bundesliga’s fifteenth placed side, who will be hoping to maintain their recent away trend in front of their own supporters: “Hansa have tasted success and will want to do that again”, warned Werder coach Thomas Schaaf. General manager Klaus Allofs went on to say: “They won away in Karlsruhe, who were up amongst the best sides in the Bundesliga.”
Having managed just one win in the last ten, Rostock will be determined to stay on the right track and will be hungry for more success: “We want the three points and we will be playing to win against Werder Bremen”, remarked the self-confident Hansa trainer, Frank Pagelsdorf. Excitement would appear a guarantee!