Werder Bremen are expecting a 'Strong counter attacking' opponent on Saturday, 09.09.2006 at 3:30pm when they face FK 03 Pirmasens at 'Sportpark Husterhöhe' in the first round of the DFB Cup.
Werder Bremen are expecting a 'Strong counter attacking' opponent on Saturday, 09.09.2006 at 3:30pm when they face FK 03 Pirmasens at 'Sportpark Husterhöhe' in the first round of the DFB Cup.
Werder Bremen are expecting a 'Strong counter attacking' opponent on Saturday, 09.09.2006 at 3:30pm when they face FK 03 Pirmasens at 'Sportpark Husterhöhe' in the first round of the DFB Cup. Werder trainer Thomas Schaaf knows from experience what to expect from such opponents. Just over three years ago Werder played a friendly against the Regional league side (then fourth division). Back in August 2003, the Bundesliga side won the game 6:1.
"Pirmasens are a very compact team with two very mobile strikers", warned Schaaf who he has taken time to watch as he does every other opponent. "In making our preparations we don't make any differences whether we are playing Chelsea or Pirmasens. Over the last few years we have proven that we know how to deal with such cup tasks", explained the coach, who is sure that the Pfalz coach, Robert Jung, will have come up with an exceptional strategy to make life as difficult as possible for the team from Bremen.
For Jung, the game is "The match of the decade, even if our chances of progression are very slim." That may be the reason for the outbreak of ecstasy when the third division side were drawn against the Bundesliga giants and Champions League participants: "As rank outsider we are under absolutely no pressure and will of course do our all to create an upset", said Jung who's team are excited about one player in particular: "Naturally Miroslav Klose. He grew up in Pfalz and a number of our players have played against him in the past."
FK Pirmasens, who are back in the Regional league for the first time in six years and intend to stay there, have made an orderly start to the 2006/2007 season. Two wins, one draw and three defeats has the team from Pfalz in tenth place in the table. Pirmasens have made seven additions to their side for theis season with new signings Hakan Akten, Michael Hunsicker, Christian Bolm, Sebastian Grub, Timo Reither, Tobias Zellner and Michael Falkenmeyer.
Thomas Schaaf will only have to worry about the possible unavailability of Per Mertesacker (trainings deficit after heel injury) and Tim Borowski (adductoral problems) but will have the rest of his squad at his disposal. "With Per we will have to wait day-to-day to see his progress, he still is well off his best", said the trainer. Browski too will only play should the trainer see it at an absolute necessity.
