Schaaf: Good defence, good offense!

Head coach Thomas Schaaf has given the directions along the Weser for nearly 14 years.
First Team
Wednesday, 13.03.2013 / 12:58

Thomas Schaaf going astray? Many reporters at the 1-1 draw in Mönchengladbach saw it that way as SV Werder haven't played with that kind of defensive game plan in a long time. Some even reckoned the end of the years-long offensive philosophy...

Thomas Schaaf going astray? Many reporters at the 1-1 draw in Mönchengladbach saw it that way as SV Werder haven't played with that kind of defensive game plan in a long time. Some even reckoned the end of the years-long offensive philosophy of the Werder boss. In an exclusive interview with Werder.TV, the head coach provides his thoughts about the draw at Borussia Park.

"We selected a different formation against Gladbach to emphasize the defence without losing the principles of our offensive style. And it worked pretty well in Gladbach - both offensively and defensively. That was crucial," said Schaaf looking back.

Factors like unity within the team and determination of every individual were more important to the Werder coach than for example the question about the newly-integrated double central defensive midfielder formation. No coach in the Bundesliga stands for a specific playing philosophy like Schaaf. And despite the appearance of a defensively loaded midfield, his credo in Gladbach was to attack!

"We cannot lose our philosophy. And we didn't. We had more corner kicks than Mönchengladbach, more shots on goal and more crosses. I do not think that works with a defensive style," said Schaaf. But there is room for improvement. And the Bremen boss knows that. "It was clear that this wasn't our final product. We still need to improve on defence and in ball possession," said Schaaf.

Schaaf and his team's next chance to show their improvements comes in three days against last-placed SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Weser Stadium. "Our duty is to take what we showed better against Gladbach into this match and improve it even more. We don't want to start from scratch again. There should be some form of learning curve," said the 51-year-old coach. "I know that we cannot go from zero to 100, that it's process over the whole season. We have to keep improving a couple percentage points so that the entire picture becomes more stable. A good defence is the foundation for our offensive game."

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.