German international Torsten Frings is heading into the new season relaxed, recuperated and with great expectations. That was clear to see from the impression he made at Werder’s first pre-season training sessions.
German international Torsten Frings is heading into the new season relaxed, recuperated and with great expectations. That was clear to see from the impression he made at Werder’s first pre-season training sessions.
German international Torsten Frings is heading into the new season relaxed, recuperated and with great expectations. That was clear to see from the impression he made at Werder’s first pre-season training sessions. During the midday break, the 30 year old took questions from press representatives, spoke about learning from last seasons mistakes, the strength of the current squad and his goals this time around.
The midfield engine was very clear in placing his trust in the ability of Werder’s current squad to achieve anything they desire: “We are all delighted that it’s getting started again. The team is really burning to get into the new season. At the moment we have a good side which can achieve a lot”, according to Frings, who has every intention of being at the top again next season: “We’ve got to work hard from now on if we are to get there, the rest will look after itself.”
The Werder power house has a number of reasons for his optimism: “For the internationals, who are on the go the whole time, it’s no bad thing that they can be involved in the complete pre-season preparation programme. That will give us a push forward.” The clubs vice-captain is also confident about the development of individual players and especially striker Markus Rosenberg, whom he sees as being in a position of responsibility. “When he feels the support of the whole team behind him, he will score goals. He has what it takes to replace Miro. Markus had six months to check the scene out, had to find his feet and still managed to score goals. It’s up to him to take on the responsibility now.”
Not just because of Rosenberg does Frings believe that Werder are capable of coping with the loss of Klose. A quick look back in the clubs history is enough to support his opinion: “Miro is gone but we can live without him. We have seen in the past that we’ve had to let important players leave the club but still came bouncing back.”
Frings sees the great togetherness within the team as one of the Green-Whites most vital attributes compared to their competitors. Looking at Bayern Munich he commented: “Just because they have strengthened their squad so well, doesn’t mean anyone needs to fear them. I don’t see them as an overly dominant side. When there are a lot of new players in the first team, that means a lot of the older players are left sitting watching from the bench. We will see exactly what sort of an effect that has. With the exception of Miro, we are going into the new season with a well tuned machine – everyone knows what he has to do.”
The number 22 sees potential within the side to improve the team spirit yet further. Looking back over the last season Frings admitted: “We all made mistakes, otherwise we would have won the title. We will discuss those mistakes internally – every individual has had time to think about that over the break.” It’s clear to Frings that in certain situations the team needs to pull together more. In particular when the squad is being affected by outside influences. One example was mentioned: “There was something written about how I had a problem with Diego, which was absolute nonsense but it was mentioned again and again. During this coming season though we will approach these things as a team. We will set ourselves some rules to follow and then we’ll have our ‘Peace’ of mind”, declared Frings.
Despite his belief in the current team, the German international wouldn’t count out further introductions to the squad: “I can well imagine that we will sign another striker. What is very important though is that we don’t take just any striker, but one who can bring us further.” Frings is totally behind the Werder transfer philosophy and added: “If such a player should come on the marker, Werder will react in the way they always have.”
Johnnie Muldoon
