There are 23 points dividing Werder Bremen and Saturday, 18.03.2006 visitors 1. FC Nuremburg. Still, coach Thomas Schaaf is wary despite the difference of positions in the table:
There are 23 points dividing Werder Bremen and Saturday, 18.03.2006 visitors 1. FC Nuremburg. Still, coach Thomas Schaaf is wary despite the difference of positions in the table:
There are 23 points dividing Werder Bremen and Saturday, 18.03.2006 visitors 1. FC Nuremburg. Still, coach Thomas Schaaf is wary despite the difference of positions in the table: "The situation does not mean that this is going to be an easy game. We didn't manage to put on the performance against Hertha Berlin that we had hoped to. For that reason we are going to have to go to Nuremburg and show how strong we really are after the poor showing against BSC."
The tension amoung the Werder ranks is still high after last Saturday's defeat: "The players are still annoyed about the performance against Berlin. We didn't pick up any points on the day. Now we've got to make sure that we pick up the points in the remaining games that are available", was how Thomas Schaaf dscribed the situation after his side slid back to fourth in the table.
Improve the record against Nuremburg
The trainer is well aware that the tie against the recently improved Nuremburg side will be no easy task: "Nuremburg are in good form. They've picked up successful results in their last few games and they will want to continue that at home", explained the Werder coach. The Werder coach had a lot of praise for the compact, fast moving and athletic opponents: "They work well together and move quickly from defence to attack. Schroth, Vittek and Saenko are particularly well served by the strong midfield. Even Pollack, who is generally more defensive is now taking more and more of an offensive roll", concluded the coach on the recently goal threatening side.
A look back in the statistics also hints at a difficult task for the Green-Whites. Werder have only managed to win six of their last 23 away games in Nuremburg. More recent games have shown Werder to be the side possessing the quality to beat Nuremburg. Last season the Green-Whites left the Frankenstadion with a 2:1 win. The first clash between the two at the Weser Stadium this season on the ninth match day finished in a 6:2 win for the home team. Top striker Miroslav Klose picked up a hat-trick on the day.
Micoud's involvement still questionable
Nuremburg will be without the long term injured Andreas Wolf, Sven Müller (both in rehab after cartridge operations) and Marek Mintal (broken foot). Werder coach Thomas Schaaf is still hoping for Johan Micoud to be passed fit in time. The Frenchman was unable to participate in training again on Thursday: "I'm still not 100% fit, I'm still in pain. We'll see tomorrow if I can train with the team and make the journey to Nuremburg", explained the 32 year old after his individual training with physio Stefan Wolters. Jelle van Damme is also doubtful and as by Micoud had no good news to register on Thursday. The Belgian is suffering from muscular problems with his right thigh.
