Werder Bremen just barely returned from Funchal and preparations have already started for the next Bundesliga game, on Sunday 20 September 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the BayArena in...
Werder Bremen just barely returned from Funchal and preparations have already started for the next Bundesliga game, on Sunday 20 September 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the BayArena in...
Werder Bremen just barely returned from Funchal and preparations have already started for the next Bundesliga game, on Sunday 20 September 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the BayArena in Leverkusen. The opponents’ head coach Jupp Heynckes has already dealt intensively with the team from Bremen. And in an interview with WERDER.DE, the Bayer Leverkusen coach talks about how he rates the guests, his opinion of Mesut Özil and what he expects from the top-notch showdown.
Mr. Heynckes, you watched Werder Bremen’s Europa League match against Nacional Funchal on Thursday night. How would you estimate the current performance level of Thomas Schaaf’s team?
I think that Werder Bremen have demonstrated that over many years so therefore they are a team that will once again establish themselves among the leaders in the Bundesliga. I am convinced of that. They can also show a high level internationally. They proved that last year, creating plenty of excitement. And they will probably do that again.
Mesut Özil had to miss the Thursday game with knee problems. It is still questionable if he can play against Leverkusen. What would it mean if he were to miss Sunday’s game?
I think that if Özil does not play then the team will try its best to get over it. Of course he is a creative player, a strong footballer and as far as you can tell a very nice guy – I like him very much, that is without a doubt. Of course you don’t know that he will not play. In case he doesn’t, then Werder Bremen have plenty of other international players, so many excellent people who could adequately replace him.
Bayer Leverkusen have traditionally played attractive football. Also this season, in which your team has started in second place, Leverkusen have scored the second most goals in the league. Do you expect an offensive game against Werder?
I think that both teams play creatively and push the ball forward and possess great football potential – Werder just like us. And that it will certainly be a fascinating game on Sunday because both teams can play good football. It could be that both goalkeepers are in the spotlight.
