Dream of Champions League in sight

Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf want third place but Cologne cannot be underestimated.
First Team
Friday, 23.04.2010 / 09:42

Klaus Allofs cannot fully keep back a slight smile. “We are not among the people that only see the bad side,” said the Werder manager at the press conference ahead of...

Klaus Allofs cannot fully keep back a slight smile. "We are not among the people that only see the bad side," said the Werder manager at the press conference ahead of the home game against Cologne. He was asked if the team was burdened at all feeling the pressure of the teams behind them – now that the team is in third place. "We would rather be the hunted and have control in our hands," Allofs described Werder’s current frame of mind. "Of course we have a tough remaining schedule. But the others do as well."

 

Head coach Thomas Schaaf agreed, saying Werder have "an interesting schedule" ahead of them. But the coach also warned the team to be careful. "I hope that nobody is only thinking about the last two games (at Schalke and against Hamburg) and forgets Cologne," said Schaaf. Cologne, the coach added, definitely deserve respect and can play freer with relegation all but avoided. In addition, Cologne played to a scoreless draw in their first encounter this season. But a victory over Cologne would be extremely important in keeping a lead over the top challengers Dortmund and Leverkusen in the thrilling final stages. "It is very enticing to defend third place," admitted Schaaf.

 

Despite the on-going euphoria, Allofs attempted to downplay the high expectations. "We can dream and hope. But third place will not bring us anything financially right now. It improves our chances. But in the end, third place only secures qualification for the Champions League. Fundamentally, it would not change anything in regards to personnel planning," said Allofs.

 

Still, the club’s bosses admitted third place is a rewarding goal, which also promises excitement away from the financial side. "If we achieve that, it would be a big success. By finishing off the season so strong, it would give us a positive feeling going into the last game – the German Cup final against Bayern," said Allofs. But the manager’s face turned serious again when thinking about the Champions League. "Of course it’s appealing to measure yourself against the best. We sat in front of the television yesterday and the day before, we played in the Champions League for five years – we know exactly how it feels. We play in order to play those types of games, to give our young team and our fans those types of games."

 

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