Viktor Skripnik has long been a regular guest at Weser Stadium, and that won't change at all this Saturday. The only thing that is different will be his spot in the stadium...
Viktor Skripnik has long been a regular guest at Weser Stadium, and that won't change at all this Saturday. The only thing that is different will be his spot in the stadium...
Viktor Skripnik has long been a regular guest at Weser Stadium, and that won't change at all this Saturday. The only thing that is different will be his spot in the stadium. "The last 10 years I have always sat in the stands. This time I will leave the changing room and head into the stadium," said Skripnik, who is the new head coach of the Green-Whites and will coach Werder's professional team for the first time in Bremen.
"Of course I am nervous," admitted Skripnik about his feelings at the Thursday pre-match press conference ahead of the game Saturday night against VfB Stuttgart. After all, he doesn't know what awaits him. The last time he was on the pitch at Weser Stadium for a competitive match was 15 May 2004, being subbed in after 70 minutes to enjoy the final 20 minutes before helping the Green-Whites to the title. But the new Werder coach hasn't had any sleepless nights thinking about his return. "I only can't sleep if I drink tea. It doesn't matter if it's green or black tea - not even when my wife gives me a ‘Good night tea'," said Skripnik with a grin, adding that he usually sleeps "like a baby".
The 44-year-old didn't want to talk too much about his state of mind. "It doesn't matter at all how I am doing. The concentration is only on the team," he made clear. Skripnik is also certain that the spectators once again will be the "12th man". "The whole stadium will support us and help our guys. We have played good matches at home and we want to have a good match on Saturday."
