Nearly 1,000 Werder fans came out to watch the first training under new head coach Viktor Skripnik on Sunday. "The last time so many fans watched training was probably after the...
Nearly 1,000 Werder fans came out to watch the first training under new head coach Viktor Skripnik on Sunday. "The last time so many fans watched training was probably after the...
Nearly 1,000 Werder fans came out to watch the first training under new head coach Viktor Skripnik on Sunday. "The last time so many fans watched training was probably after the double victory in 2004," joked Skripnik at the pre-match press conference for the German Cup match. "We are happy about this support. It was a nice feeling but we will do our work calmly and focussed. We know the situation and the expectations. My concentration is on the team," added Skripnik.
The first session completed some eventful hours for the Ukraine native. "Overnight Friday to Saturday I got a text message that I should come to Mr. Eichin's office Saturday morning," disclosed the 44-year-old, who didn't hesitate upon the management's inquiry. "I didn't think about it, I said yes immediately. I have been here 18 years and give everything I have for the club. I am part of Werder Bremen with all my heart. It's more than a dream to be allowed to coach the Bundesliga team of my club."
The first task awaits the new coaching staff on Tuesday in the German DFB Cup at Chemnitzer FC. "For us, it's good that there's a match right away. The guys don't have any time to think about the table situation in the league," said Skripnik, who made it clear to Fritz, Di Santo and Co. from the first minute on what was at stake. "I wanted to test the players a bit, see how they react. The guys have to be self-critical and do more than they have before. I'm not talking about running more but play with confidence. That also gives more creativity," said the new coach.
Skripnik met with the experienced players for face-to-face talks to make clear what he expects. "We are in a difficult situation but nobody is alone. And we can only get out of it together. If things don't work together in the changing room, then it won't work on the pitch. So nobody should talk about ‘I' but instead about ‘we'," said the coach.
