Raphael Wolf's first start in Werder dress went differently than he had hoped as he reached behind him four times in a 4-4 draw on the 14th match day at TSG Hoffenheim. Nine match days later, the admitted team player and former...
Raphael Wolf's first start in Werder dress went differently than he had hoped as he reached behind him four times in a 4-4 draw on the 14th match day at TSG Hoffenheim. Nine match days later, the admitted team player and former...
Raphael Wolf's first start in Werder dress went differently than he had hoped as he reached behind him four times in a 4-4 draw on the 14th match day at TSG Hoffenheim. Nine match days later, the admitted team player and former Hamburg player will experience his first North Derby in professional football.
WERDER.DE: The team fought to a point in Frankfurt despite being a man down. You had a number of good saves to play a big role in the success. How does the team feel?
Raphael Wolf: "We took home a point. Of course we had imagined the game would go differently. But given the circumstances the point is okay. Now the focus is clearly on the North Derby. The coach said after the short training session on Monday that the match against Frankfurt doesn't matter anymore. Now it's only about the derby against Hamburg."
WERDER.DE: You mentioned the North Derby. For many fans, that is the most important match of the year. Is the team already looking forward to this Saturday?
Raphael Wolf: "Of course we have talked about this match a number of times within the team. It got more intense starting with the trip back from Frankfurt. For sure, all the players are highly motivated. You could see that right away. I think the anticipation is high."
WERDER.DE: It will likely be an exciting showdown. Hamburg recently beat Dortmund at home and Werder collected a point in both of the last two matches. Which team is more confident at the moment?
Raphael Wolf: "We are playing at home so you should always be a bit more confident. Of course Hamburg used their chance to get some important points against Dortmund. But we don't sense any added pressure because of that. We clearly want to pick up three points with our fans behind us."
WERDER.DE: You played earlier with Hamburg, who is the number one team in the north for you?
Raphael Wolf: "Oh, that's easy - Werder is number one in the north for me. Werder is the only thing that counts, and this club gave me the chance to play in the Bundesliga. I am very grateful and proud about that. My family and I feel really at home here, the city is comfortable. The surroundings are a big plus with Werder."
WERDER.DE: Final question: ‘Rapha', what are you hoping for in the match this Saturday against Hamburg?
Raphael Wolf: "I hope that we play well and keep the three points here in Bremen. Of course, keeping our sheet clean would be the best, but a victory is the only thing that counts."
