Werder pass a test of patience

Freiburg reactions
SV Werder remain unbeaten in 2019. (Photo: nordphoto).
First Team
Saturday, 13.04.2019 / 20:11

There are several happy Werder players on Matchday 29: Goalscorers Davy Klaassen and Theodor Gebre Selassie, returnee Yuya Osako, debutant Stefanos Kapino. Nevertheless, SC Freiburg were a tough opponent – as expected. “Eventually it was a test of our patience,” said Maxi Eggestein. It took a long time before SVW broke the deadlock. Davy Klaassen eventually headed home in front of a sold-out Weser-Stadion (76’), before Theodor Gebre Selassie sealed the win shortly after.

On the game:

Jiri Pavlenka had to be replaced at half time by Stefanos Kapino. (Photo: nordphoto).

Maximilian Eggestein: “We knew from the beginning that today’s game was going to be a struggle. You don’t have as much time as they defend with all eleven players. We had hoped to score an early goal so that they would be forced to open up a bit. Eventually it was a test of our patience. It was a hard graft today – a really tough game. Freiburg defended well and looked to counter us. We weren’t great defensively – we let them have a few decent opportunities. Ultimately the only important thing is getting the points.”

Davy Klaassen: “We were aware of how well-organised and tricky they would be. It would take a lot to break down their barriers. The start wasn’t bad. We put them under pressure for 10-15 minutes, but then it was a lot harder. We improved in the second half and deserved to win.”

Theodor Gebre Selassie: “It was a really tough game today. Freiburg had a few dangerous moments on the break, but we had to accept that was going to happen if we played for the win. It wasn’t a great game, but points are most important at this time.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “We had to work our socks off this afternoon, but in the end we deserved to win the game. I have a lot of praise for my team today. The most important things today were our ability to stop counter-attacks and our decision-making in the final third. We did both of those things well. We could have found more space against then, even if they did sit back so much. We stayed calm and patient and stuck to our plans. I had to remain patient too. I felt that the team were desperate to win today.”

On Claudio Pizarro’s substitution:

Claudio Pizarro came on and gave Werder an added impetus up front. (Poto: nordphoto).

Maximilian Eggestein: “We simply wanted to win. We brought Piza on so that we could put more crosses in and have another option up front. I think Claudio had three chances. With a little more luck, he would have scored. He is a huge presence on the pitch. The crowd reacts differently to him as well.”

Davy Klaassen: “The whole stadium gets excited when he comes on. He gives us some more confidence. He’s simply vital for us.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “Claudio is a phenomenon. The whole dynamics of the game change when he is brought on. I would like to thank him today – for his life-time achievements and for how much he helps us out still. He was the key today.”  

On the Bayern games:

Maximilian Eggestein: “Now we can start focusing on them. Our preparation will begin on Tuesday. We want to win both games against them. Obviously we know it’ll be difficult, especially away from home. We’re really excited for the challenge. Now we will enjoy the next two days off and then get ready.”

Theodor Gebre Selassie: “We now have two days off to enjoy the win today and then we will start focusing on Bayern. Games against Bayern are always the trickiest in a season; and now we have to play against them twice in a row. We want to take something from the league game and anything is possible at home in the DFB-Pokal.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “They are two games against the best individual team in Germany, so of course they will be tough encounters. Everybody knows we want to win every game. Firstly we will concentrate on the league game. We want to try and take something from the game. I’m hugely excited for the cup game. I can’t promise that we’ll win both games, but I can promise that we will do our best in both.”

On Stefanos Kapino:

Maximilian Eggestein: “We weren’t quite sure what was happening. Suddenly Kapi had to come on and I think he did a really good job. He has played in England, Greece and in the Champions League. We never had any worries. We know how good he is from training – he’s fantastic! I think you could see his confidence with crosses today too. We will be happy if he has to play against Bayern too.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “He showed that he is not only a great person, but also a great goalkeeper. He came on when we were under a lot of pressure and made a good save at 0-0. I’m pleased that he played a big role today. He’s a complete keeper: He is good on the ball and is a bit mad (albeit in a good way). He’s an important member of the group and organises nights with the team. He also loses a lot against me in table tennis, so he’s good to spend time with (laughs).”

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