Werder Bremens two week Bundesliga break comes to an end at 3:30pm on Saturday, 15.10.2005 with the visit of 1. FC Nuremburg.
Werder Bremens two week Bundesliga break comes to an end at 3:30pm on Saturday, 15.10.2005 with the visit of 1. FC Nuremburg.
Werder Bremens two week Bundesliga break comes to an end at 3:30pm on Saturday, 15.10.2005 with the visit of 1. FC Nuremburg, who are currently lying in 15th place in the table. Trainer Wolfgang Wolf's team come to the Weser Stadium on the back of a 2:1 win over Cologne. "Nuremburg needed a bit of success to improve their turbulent start to the Bundesliga", commented Thomas Schaaf. "They had played well before that but were not always rewarded with points." The Franken side have only managed one away point so far this season - a 1:1 draw with VfL Wolfsburg.
Schaaf is expecting "A good team who will attempt to be stable at the back and then launch one of their dangerous counter attacks." Czech international Jan Polek and Swiss star Mario Cantaluppi combine as a strong defensive midfield sweeper duo in front of the back four. Whether or not goalkeeper Raphael Schäfer can give his defence the neccessary stability from behind is not yet clear. Nuremburgs number one has been suffering from adductoral problems. Trainer Wolf is quite confident: "He's 98,5% sure to be playing." If he should have to pass he will most likely to be replaced by Phillip Tschauner. The 19 year old would then make his Bundesliga debut.
Nuremburg striker Stefan Kießling in top form
The FC trainer will derfinately have to do without the services of Andreas Wolf (thigh muscle sinew tear), Javier Pinola (ankle injury) and top goal scorer from last season Marek Mintal, who will be out for a longer period with a broken foot. Even without their top striker, Nuremburg can present a strong front line. "Above all Stefan Kießling has been very noticable of late", noticed Thomas Schaaf. The 21 year old didn't just score both goals against Cologne, but also a very important goal for the Under 21 side against England. Kießling has notched up three of Nuremburgs six goals this season. Alongside the youngster will be the experienced Markus Schroth, "a vey agile striker", commented Schaaf, "who will offer himself up for the team and go that extra mile." The possible involvement of ex-Werder player Markus Daun is also questionable still suffering, as keeper Schäfer, with adductoral problems.
Wolfgang Wolf knows his side can expect a tough challenge at the Weser: "Werder are one of the strongest teams in the league", in the opinion of the FC coach who still has last seasons defeat fresh in his mind: "Our efforts in Bremen didn't work out at all on that occasion and recieved a 4:1 drubbing as just desserts." Nuremburgs last win at the Weser Season was over seven years ago.
Efficient use of chances is the key to success
Werder are not about to underestimate their opponents. "We must put pressure on them from the start, force them into making mistakes and not allow them to play freely". The Green-Whites will be without Petri Pasanen, who is still suffering from the after effects of concussion, Ümit Davala (hip injury), Jelle van Damme (groin problem), Aaron Hunt (thigh muscle sinew tear) and Tim Wiese who is in rehab after a cruciate ligament operation. Captain Frank Baumann is clear: "We are favourites on Saturday." The in Frankenland born midfielder admits: "I have emotional attachments to the club but my heart has been beating for Werder for a long time now." The current third place side need the win and all three points to prove they belong among the top clubs. "A win would also instill some much needed self confidence before our tough Champions League tie in Udinese."
