'Merte' Ready For The Alkmaar Challenge

First Team
Thursday, 05.04.2007 / 10:14

Per Mertesacker is really looking forward to the challenges of the following week. Starting with Thursdays game against AZ Alkmaar, one of the most exceptional weeks in the German internationals career is about to kick-off.

Per Mertesacker is really looking forward to the challenges of the following week. Starting with Thursdays game against AZ Alkmaar, one of the most exceptional weeks in the German internationals career is about to kick-off. “We have set ourselves a number of goals and we are now entering a phase that will prove to us just how far we can go. The UEFA Cup quarter finals and second in the league. At this stage of a season I have never been in a position like this”, commented the centre half at Wednesday evenings pre match press conference in Holland. The game is the start of the 'Merte-Week'.

 

The Lofty defender goes into Thursdays UEFA Cup challenge brimming with confidence, despite acknowledging the difficulties ahead: “Koevermans and Arveladze are two totally different types of striker, so you really have to be prepared to switch things around to adapt to that”, explained 'Merte', who is getting ready to deal with the much smaller Arveladze. “I can do that. Although the players has a very low centre of gravity, a lot can be achieved by good positional play.”

 

The Dutch trainer Louis van Gaal has a lot of respect for the central defender. In the opinion of the experienced coach, Mertesacker is one of Werder's five most vital pillars: “With Klose, Frings, Wiese, Diego and Mertesacker, Werder have some really exceptionally good players. Without playing ourselves down, Werder have a really great team together. They proved that this year in games against Barcelona and Ajax. They are very creative and score lots of goals.” Van Gaal went on to praise the German qualities in the Werder Bremen side: “I really hold German football in high regard for its professionalism, discipline and the mentality always to give your all.” For tht reason, the trainer is hoping to keep a clean sheet in the first leg. “It's important that Werder don't score here, then I'd be satisfied with one goal for us”, admitted the coach.

 

That's exactly what Per Mertesacker is determined to deny Alkmaar. At the end of the day, the match on Thursday is supposed to be the beginning of the 'Merte-Week'.

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.