Per Mertesacker has experienced quite a bit in his career but he has never been able to score two goals so easily. "Of course I have an advantage with my size on set pieces. But...
Per Mertesacker has experienced quite a bit in his career but he has never been able to score two goals so easily. "Of course I have an advantage with my size on set pieces. But...
Per Mertesacker has experienced quite a bit in his career but he has never been able to score two goals so easily. "Of course I have an advantage with my size on set pieces. But Nurnberg did not put a true defender on me," grinned the German international centre back. Mertesacker's good mood was easy to understand after setting his personal record with the two goals against Nurnberg after the 28th game day. "Four years ago, I scored five goals in a season. It was also the World Cup season back then. I take that as a good sign for the next couple weeks," said Mertesacker, who will be very motivated heading into Werder's final stretch of the season. "Reaching the German Cup final absolutely gave us a push. We want to show that against Dortmund as well. It will be a great match against a direct contender in the standings. There is nothing better for a footballer," said Bremen vice captain Mertesacker.
Head coach Thomas Schaaf even believes his defensive ace can score more goals. "He has everything you need: timing, jumping ability and height. I am certain that he can score even more goals," said the coach. Still, Schaaf was a bit alarmed with his team's showing in the second half. "We have to work on not letting the game get away like today. We have to be happy to have won after that kind of second half. Maybe we were a bit too confident because of the lead and how the game was going. But we also played good football in the first half," said the coach.
