Tall defenders against "the smallest strikers in Europe"

Werder have both extremes in big centre backs and small strikers like Marko Marin.
First Team
Thursday, 11.03.2010 / 13:53

The showdown tonight between Valencia and Werder Bremen includes a match-up of the Spaniards' small and agile strikers against the tall Werder defenders. That was one of....

The showdown tonight between Valencia and Werder Bremen includes a match-up of the Spaniards' small and agile strikers against the tall Werder defenders. That was one of the topics at the press conference before the game at Mestalla Stadium.

 

"We know that they are physically very strong. But we will try to play our game. That has to be quick so that the bigger players do not have an easy time," said Valencia striker David Silva. Bremen centre back Per Mertesacker understood the message and hopes he gets help from his teammates. "I hope that I will not have to defend David Villa alone too often. He is one of the Spaniards' most dangerous strikers. But they have a couple other really good attackers in their ranks as well. We have to defend them as a team," said Mertesacker.

 

Nearly all involved from both sides believe the encounter will be a real highlight without the hectic moments from five years ago. "Oh just think about it. Five years is a very long time in football. Valencia maybe have three players that were there back then. And we also have three players. And there are 25 or 30 players in both teams. So just because of that, it will not play a big role," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf. Mertesacker agreed with his coach. "I was not there. I know that things got somewhat heated. But nobody gave me any details about what happened. It appears that it wasn't that exciting," said the German international. David Silva offered a similar answer. "I also wasn't there back then and know that it is not an issue for us. We are only worrying about the present. That is interesting enough," said Silva. "If you want to talk about revenge, then you can only talk about a sporting revenge. Because one thing is certain, we lost back then, and that should not happen again. We want the sporting revenge," said Valencia coach Unai Emery.

 

Weitere News

Your web browser ist outdated.
The web browser you are using is no longer supported.
Please download one of these free and up to date browsers.
Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge
Chrome Firefox Edge
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
MS Edge
Why should I use an up to date web browser?
Security
Newer web browsers provide better protection against malware, data theft and other threats to your privacy and security. Up to date browsers continuously close security holes that allow attackers to enter your computer.
New Technologies
The technologies used on modern websites are better supported by newer web browsers. This both increases functionality and improves the website layout. By benefiting from new functions and extensions you will be able to surf the web faster and easier.