Anticipation is growing at the Weser Stadium. The Green-Whites are preparing to begin their 2008/2009 campaign. General manager Klaus Allofs reiterated the targets that the team will go into the season hoping to achieve.
Anticipation is growing at the Weser Stadium. The Green-Whites are preparing to begin their 2008/2009 campaign. General manager Klaus Allofs reiterated the targets that the team will go into the season hoping to achieve.
Anticipation is growing at the Weser Stadium. The Green-Whites are preparing to begin their 2008/2009 campaign. General manager Klaus Allofs reiterated the targets that the team will go into the season hoping to achieve: “I expect us to be playing amongst the top sides again. Over the past few years we have established ourselves as one of the top three clubs, and that is something we want to confirm and improve upon,” remarked the former Werder player, who is well aware of the challenges that face the team: “Our competitors have made massive financial investments. That is something we want to confront and prove ourselves against.”
So far as the personnel situation is concerned, the Green-Whites are ready for the start. Per Mertesacker is expected to be the only first team player who will miss out on the match in Bielefeld through injury. But there is light at the end of the tunnel for the lofty German international. Schaaf explained: “Things are looking good for him, he is very satisfied. He has already been able to begin with some light running. We are hopeful that he will return to Bremen in the next couple of weeks and that we can then slowly introduce the ball into his training programme.”
The Werder coach is more optimistic about the return of the injured duo of Aaron Hunt and Torsten Frings: “We rested them both for the last friendly game but I expect them to be available on Saturday.” The trainers wishes were confirmed on Thursday as both Frings and Hunt were able to complete the full team training session and were subsequently given the green light: “It’ll be alright for Saturday, I had no problems,” said Frings. Hunt added: “My toe still hurts but with a little ice it’s ok. I can play.”
