The reigning German champions Wolfsburg are the next opponents for Werder Bremen on Saturday 28 November 2009 at 3:30 p.m. And there is no question that this will be a tough...
The reigning German champions Wolfsburg are the next opponents for Werder Bremen on Saturday 28 November 2009 at 3:30 p.m. And there is no question that this will be a tough...
The reigning German champions Wolfsburg are the next opponents for Werder Bremen on Saturday 28 November 2009 at 3:30 p.m. And there is no question that this will be a tough task for Thomas Schaaf's team, which has offered some convincing football over the last couple months and is even being considered a title contender among the media. "Of course we want to be number one," admitted Schaaf without forgetting that at least seven other Bundesliga clubs also have legitimate title hopes. And the 48-year-old coach knows expectations are high. "Everyone has title hopes here in Bremen. That begs the question if all those hopes can be fulfilled. But we are on a good road, are playing good games and getting good results," said Schaaf.
The opponents from Wolfsburg have plenty to show for themselves. All of the mainstays of the sensational triumph last season remained loyal for head coach Armin Veh in year one after Felix Magath. The offence is especially reliable. The quartet of Misimovic, new acquisition Martins, Dzeko and Grafite have scored 19 of the 25 goals for Wolfsburg. But the Wolfsburg defence has already allowed 23 goals.
It would be careless however to look past Wolfsburg. Veh's men have only allowed seven goals in away matches in the Bundesliga, notching victories in Hoffenheim and at Schalke. Wolfsburg have also demonstrated their class in Europe, beating Besiktas Istanbul 3-0 and playing excellently against Manchester United before losing 2-1 at Old Trafford. But Veh will be without one of his top defenders against Bremen as captain Josué will miss the game suspended. Still the high-octane offence is fit and ready for Wolfsburg, who rank just eighth on the table after a 3-2 loss at home against Nurnberg. But the Wolves showed last season how little standings mean at this point of the season. Wolfsburg were even on points but behind Werder in ninth place over the winter break. And everyone knows how things ended. Things will not be easy for Schaaf's men.
