Werder Bremen's second half of the season started with two Bundesliga showings which could hardly have been any more different. It began with a strong 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim. But then the ...
Werder Bremen's second half of the season started with two Bundesliga showings which could hardly have been any more different. It began with a strong 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim. But then the ...
Werder Bremen's second half of the season started with two Bundesliga showings which could hardly have been any more different. It began with a strong 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim. But then the Green-Whites crashed to a 3-0 loss at Cologne. Now Bayern Munich come to sold-out Weser Stadium on Saturday 29 January 2011 at 3:30 p.m. "They are a team that stands for something special," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf at the press conference before the game.
Bayern have found their form after a first half which was weak according to their standards. Head coach Louis van Gaal has not been afraid of making unpopular decisions, including sending keeper Hans-Jörg Butt to the bench despite good performances in favour of 22-year-old Thomas Kraft. And captain Mark van Bommel said a lack of personal perspective at the team was the reason for moving to AC Milan at the beginning of the week. "His departure is a big loss in person. But we will compensate it as a team," said striker Mario Gomez.
"Especially on offence they are very effective. Some players really are in form, Mario Gomez is in top form," said Schaaf of the German international striker who has scored 23 goals in 26 matches this season, including 15 goals in the past 11 Bundesliga matches. Franck Ribery may be out with a knee injury, but Gomez will be accompanied in the attack by the always dangerous Thomas Müller and/or Arjen Robben, who is nearly back to his top level after more than six months away. "Bayern Munich have some great players," said Schaaf direct to the point. "We hope and expect that we will be an opponent for them. We can prove that by showing the basic elements of football both as individuals and as a unit," said Schaaf, talking about fight, willingness to run and team spirit.
