Werder welcome Diego’s Wolves

Marko Arnautovic and Diego battled in the first game between these teams this season though no goals were scored in Wolfsburg.
VfL Wolfsburg
Friday, 29.04.2011 / 03:18

Werder Bremen go from one derby to the next as the Green-Whites take on another northern German rival in Wolfsburg on Friday, 29 April 2011 at 8:30 p.m. at Weser Stadium. And just like against St. Pauli, the opponents are not the only team fighting to avoid relegation...

Werder Bremen go from one derby to the next as the Green-Whites take on another northern German rival in Wolfsburg on Friday, 29 April 2011 at 8:30 p.m. at Weser Stadium. And just like against St. Pauli, the opponents are not the only team fighting to avoid relegation.

Even though Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath does not consider Bremen in danger ("Werder are not in the race against relegation."), those with Werder see things differently. "Everyone who can do the calculations sees that we are not safe yet and still need points," said manager Klaus Allofs despite a six-point gap from the relegation spot where Wolfsburg currently sit.

A loss to Wolfsburg would be a step back in the fight against relegation.

Schaaf warns about improved Wolfsburg

But Wolfsburg have stabilised themselves in recent weeks. "If you look at the last couple games you can see an improvement. They played very motivated against Cologne and were very aggressive in their challenges," warned head coach Thomas Schaaf. Since the spectacular return of the 2009 championship-winning coach Felix Magath before the 27th game day, Wolfsburg have lost just once but also won only once - a 4-1 victory over Cologne. The Wolves are along with Werder Brement the "draw kings" of the league (each have 11 draws - including a 0-0 result in the first match).

Among friends: Diego shouldn’t really expect to be booed in Bremen.

"I am happy to come back"

In the first showdown this season against Wolfburg it was the first match against Werder's former playmaker Diego, who can expect a packed Weser Stadium with 40,000 spectators for his return. Despite the importance of the game, the 26-year-old Brazilian is looking forward to the return. "I am happy to come back. I still have good contact with a lot of players. And honestly, I would be surprised with whistling," Diego told the paper Kreiszeitung Syke. The Brazilian is convinced that his team will win, and his coach is sure his midfield ace will perform well. "He is professional and will not let his feelings get in the way," Magath told the Wolfsburger Allgemeinen Zeitung.

Schaaf also believes the opponents will be concentrated. "I think they will give their all to have a good match here. Wolfsburg will want to improve their situation. It will depend on us - what we allow them to do, how they get into the game," said Schaaf. If the Green-Whites can keep Diego and Co. under wraps then it would be an early birthday present. The Werder coach will turn 50 on Saturday. When asked at the official press conference if it's a good omen that the game is taking place during the week of his birthday, Schaaf answered with his usual dry humour: "It just happens to be that you have a birthday every year. That is nice, and you're happy about it and you have a celebration. I don't have the stats if we are more successful during this week. But I don't think that the result will depend on my birthday."

Weitere News

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.