Green-White Mission : Three Points In Sofia

First Team
Monday, 30.10.2006 / 20:20

Werder Bremen landed in Sofia a day prior to their Champions League tie in the Bulgarian capital. The plane landed slightly late on Monday afternoon at it’s destination in the south European metropolis after the take off was delayed by birds on the runway in Bremen.

Werder Bremen landed in Sofia a day prior to their Champions League tie in the Bulgarian capital. The plane landed slightly late on Monday afternoon at it’s destination in the south European metropolis after the take off was delayed by birds on the runway in Bremen.

 

The bird incident will hopefully be the only surprise on the teams two day trip with hopes high in the Green-White camp. Werder want to stay on track for their Champions League progression with all three points in Sofia. Thoughts of the absolute minimal success of a UEFA cup place are far from trainer Thomas Schaaf’s mind: “We’re not in the Champions League to reach the UEFA Cup. We intend to remain in this competition a bit longer.” The signs are clear to the coach: “We have more points and won the first leg. Some would say we are favourites but whoever takes that title into the game is of no interest to me. There’s no point in going into a game as favourite and then losing 4:0.”

 

The principles for the game are: present ourselves confidently but be prepared for anything. Bremen have to be ready for all occurances. Schaaf knows that Levksi will have only one game plan on Tuesday. The Bulgarian league runaway leaders are in danger of being eliminated from all European competition and will do everything in their means to prevent that happening: “I’m expecting a very attacking team who will come at us with three or even four attackers. They have no points yet and have the last chance to stay in Europe on Tuesday.” The coach knows what can happen under these circumstances: “The DFB Cup this season has been the perfect example of what can occur when a team can bundle all of their ability into 90 minutes.”

 

Schaaf is not awaiting any particular surprises from a heated atmosphere in the stadium: “For all their efforts, Levski will have the absolute support of their football crazy fans. We have a young team but they have experienced a lot. Nothing will throw them off their game.”

 

Werder have plans to take all three points back to the Weser on Tuesday night with a strong mixture of performance and unyielding self confidence. Despite their current form, the Green-Whites know it will be no easy task. Werder’s last away win in the Champions League was against Valencia back in December 2004 – almost two years of waiting.

 

Schaaf has a 17 strong squad in Bulgaria for the match with the coach keeping faith in the side which so impressed in Mainz with only striker Mohamed Zidan upsetting his plans. A groin problem has forced the Egyptian international to rest up.

 

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