Werder Bremen can look forward to their fourth appearance in the Champions League on the trot. In Group C, the Green-Whites will have to face Real Madrid, Lazio Rome and Olympiacos Piräus.
Werder Bremen can look forward to their fourth appearance in the Champions League on the trot. In Group C, the Green-Whites will have to face Real Madrid, Lazio Rome and Olympiacos Piräus.
Werder Bremen can look forward to their fourth appearance in the Champions League on the trot. In Group C, the Green-Whites will have to face Real Madrid, Lazio Rome and Olympiacos Piräus. Werder’s opponents were drawn by Petr Cech, Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Kaka.
Positive reactions in Bremen:
“Real are the favourites in this group and we are maybe the second favourite. It’s quite an evenly matched group though. Everyone knows the kind of atmosphere to be expected in Rome and Piräus but we proved in Zagreb that we are well capable of dealing with such situations. We are ready to take this group on”, remarked Werder chairman Jürgen L. Born after the draw.
General manager Klaus Allofs surely spoke for many fans when he commented: “Real Madrid is the kind of opponent you wish for and the game runs together well with the highlights of Barcelona and Chelsea from last year. We’re delighted about it. Lazio Rome and Olympiacos Piräus make this a very interesting group which we can approach confidently.”
Coach Thomas Schaaf was happy to hear he’d be seeing some new faces at the Weser Stadium: “They are three clubs we’ve never faced before. There is real change afoot in the fourth Champions League season. Real Madrid is surely the most notable side in the group. With a trainer like Bernd Schuster and players in the calibre of Christoph Metzelder, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robinho, Raul or Cannavaro they have something to offer. We can’t forget a side with great tradition like Lazio or Piräus either who won the Greek title again. It won’t be an easy task.”
Further reactions:
Team captain Frank Baumann: “I’m satisfied with the draw. There are some interesting trips and attractive opponents for our fans. Real Madrid are the kind of opponent you wish to face and we want to prove ourselves against the very best. The games against Lazio and Piräus are of course interesting too.”
Young striker Kevin Schindler: “I had dreamed of Real Madrid and now it has come through – I’m delighted about that. It’s a very interesting group but we are strong enough to survive it. I think we have a good chance of progressing.”
The game plan:
An initial game plan has been put together for the Champions League games involving Werder Bremen. The following dates will be confirmed on Friday morning. The plan at a glance:
Tuesday, 18.09.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Real Madrid – Werder Bremen
Wednesday, 03.10.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Werder Bremen – Olympiacos Piräus
Wednesday, 24.10.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Werder Bremen – Lazio Rom
Tuesday, 06.11.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Lazio Rom – Werder Bremen
Wednesday, 28.11.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Werder Bremen – Real Madrid
Tuesday, 11.12.2007, 20.45 Uhr: Olympiacos Piräus – Werder Bremen
