Bremen Not To Aide Berlin Turnabout

First Team
Friday, 10.03.2006 / 09:18

The disappointment of Werder Bremens bitter Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus Turin on Tuesday night has clearly left a mark on the players.

The disappointment of Werder Bremens bitter Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus Turin on Tuesday night has clearly left a mark on the players. Despite a defeat that was difficult to accept, the club have no choice but to look to the future and the visit of Hertha BSC Berlin to the Weser Stadium on Saturday, 11.03.2006.

 

"We put on a sensational performance against a strong opponent and that should send a message to the Bundesliga. We've received many supportive words but hopefully also instilled a bit of fear in our opponents", said general manager Klaus Allofs who still has a lot of praise for the team, two days after their loss in Turin. Head coach Thomas Schaaf added: "The fans have given the team a great deal of support along their way. The boys will surely be positively greeted in the stadium on Saturday and receive the kind of support we've had all along", claimed the coach, who is convined the team won't allow their heads to hang but rather show all the more that they wish to be up among the big clubs.

 

Still, it's not just Werder who need the win to improve their position on Saturday, Hertha also need a result to end their lean streak. The Berlin side ahven't won a game since 04.12.2005 and with only four points to the good since the break, they are the poorest post Christmas team. The fact that the side from the capital are under increasing pressure to produce, leads the Werder coach to the conclusion that the upcoming game will be a tough one: "Hertha have had a lot of poor results over a long period yet they are still tenth in the table. Other teams would be in a much worse position after such chaos in the background. You can see that things are going according to plan at the moment but we'll have to be careful that that doesn't change on Saturday and that they find their rhythm."

 

The last two meeting against Hertha would also imply that the game at the weekend will not be an easy one. A Marcelinho goal at the Weser Stadium last season was enough to give the visitors a 0:1 win. "Marcelinho gets himself into unusual situations with his style but can also be a strain on the team - his game is very difficult to decipher", commented Thomas Schaaf on the Brazilian playmaker. In the previous game this season the Brazilian caused Werder problems and put the defence under pressure. The game was only decided in the last five minutes in Werders favour. With five minutes to go, Tim Borowski pulled the scoreline back to 1:1 with an 18 meter volley. Then, less than four minutes later, a Nelson Valdez header gave the visitors at the Olympia Stadium all three points.

 

The Hertha side who have incured a number of personnel problems of late through both injury and suspension can look forward to the return of Alexander Madlung, Maik Fathi (both suspended) and Dick van Burik. Trainer Falko Götz will have to make do without the services of Joe Simunic, who is back in training after a ligament injury. Both Pal Dardai (tear in thigh muscle) and Niko Kovac (calf hardening) are doubtful for the game.

 

Werders Champions League battle against Juventus has also left personnel scars. A tear to knee ligaments will keep captain Frank Baumann out of the side for at least a fortnight. "He had a fantastic game in Turin, was in fabulous form and after his substitution it was clear to see how important he is for the team", summed up Thomas Schaaf the bitter loss of the 30 year old midfield holder. Aaron Hunt remains unavailable with his knee injury demanding more time to heal fully.

 

Johnnie Muldoon

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.