Allowing less in back, remaining dangerous up front

Hoffenheim keeper Tom Starke has had to reach behind him just once. Claudio Pizarro will try to change that.
Thomas Schaaf
Friday, 26.08.2011 / 08:39

On Saturday Werder Bremen will face an interesting showdown in their away match against Hoffenheim as Holger Stanislawski's team has collected six points through three match days...

On Saturday Werder Bremen will face an interesting showdown in their away match against Hoffenheim as Holger Stanislawski's team has collected six points through three match days - just like Werder - good for seventh place. Werder meanwhile are fifth because of a better goal difference.

Thomas Schaaf and Holger Stanislawski know and respect each other.

"We are in a situation in which not everything is okay and working seemingly. We are showing good signs. For example, we have been strong offensively but can make things difficult for ourselves on defence," said Werder head coach Thomas Schaaf.

The opponents have a strong team and a motivated coach in Stanislawski, who is facing a new challenge in Hoffenheim after 18 years with St. Pauli. "We are daily trying to get the team the attitude we expect from them. That includes passion and excitement," said Stanislawski in an interview with WERDER.DE. But Hoffenheim still have plenty of strong points in the team. Goalkeeper Tom Starke is in superb form while Sebastian Rudy and Sejad Salihovic are ruling the midfield. Ryan Babel meanwhile is showing more and more what he can do in the attack.

Hoffenheim's strong season start has awoken hopes for success. "They are showing more what they stand for and are getting back to their old strengths," said Schaaf about Hoffenheim. "They have not forgotten how to play in the attack with dangerous strikers and are harmonizing as a team very well." After an unlucky opening loss in Hannover, Hoffenheim have collected two victories, including a strong 1-0 win over reigning champions Borussia Dortmund. Werder can expect a tough game in Hoffenheim.

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