Winning after going one down

Views on the Schalke game
Werder claimed all three points after an entertaining game (photo: nordphoto).
First Team
Saturday, 09.03.2019 / 00:37

Once again on Friday evening, Werder Bremen beat Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga. This time, the result ended 4-2 for the home side. Kruse and Co. created many opportunities and finished the game off. “It’s our game plan to go forward. We prefer to take the risky pass than the safe pass,” said captain Max Kruse. For the captain and his teammates, it wasn’t just a home win but also a reinforcement of their playing philosophy that Florian Kohfeldt has installed. “This week we had an extra dinner together and discussed our playing philosophy. We made it clear that even if we are drawing in the final five minutes, we want to go and find the winner. Everyone on the pitch knows that,” said Kohfeldt. It can go wrong sometimes, like against RB Leipzig but against Schalke 04, Werder’s courage and offensive urgency got them the three points.

WERDER.DE summarised up all the views on the game from the players and the head coach. 

Match analysis:

Frustrating opening goal to concede: Ludwig Augustinsson was too late (photo: nordphoto).

Claudio Pizarro: We started well and were dominant, but then Schalke came into the game too. The deciding factor was that we scored.”

Max Kruse: We knew what was awaiting us and what Tedesco’s players would bring: unconditional loyalty to their manager. It was clear that they wouldn’t just defend because they had to win. They had a physical presence going forward, which we did not manage well at first and so they deservedly took the lead. However, we then showed what type of team we are. We showed our footballing philosophy.

Milot Rashica: I think that we deserved the victory. We had some chances which in hindsight, we should have taken. We made some good passes and showed that we play good football.

Florian Kohfeldt: Pavlas saved us with two saves in the game. That was very important. Between the 10th and 30th minute, we lost the ball too much, but as the game progressed, we kept the ball better and found space on the pitch. Schalke deservedly took the lead and then had a chance to double it. It was a tough game against a team that has a lot going on. They played with great passion.

Fin Bartels: We found it difficult. They started aggressively and we were unable to play our game. Schalke have a lot of individual qualities, especially with the difficulties they are facing right now. You could see it today. The goals were good for us and in the second half, we used the space well.

The importance of the home win:

Maximilian Eggestein: We wanted to show that we were on it. We want to get into Europe.

Claudio Pizarro: I am very happy because it was a very important game. After all the draws, we really wanted to win as we lost a bit of ground in the race for Europe. We showed that it can still happen. It was an important victory for our European ambitions.

Florian Kohfeldt: It is not easy to beat Schalke 4-2. It was a valuable victory and that’s why I’m proud of my team. We have a very tough away game in Leverkusen next week. All I can promise is that we will try everything until the last day to go for European qualification. If it does not happen, it was still right to try.

Milot Rashica: The victory was very important for us, but we have a very important game next week before the international break. It will be a tough game.

On the penalty decision:

Captain Max Kruse celebrates after scoring the penalty to make it 2-1 (photo: nordphoto).

Max Kruse: He clearly tripped me as I ran into the box. I don’t fall over easily. Therefore, it was a clear penalty.

Maximilian Eggestein: I only saw half of what happened during the game, but it looked like Max Kruse was caught while running.

Milot Rashica: If he had not been caught, Max would have scored. I’m sure of it.

Florian Kohfeldt: He tripped him and therefore, it was a clear penalty.

On Milot Rashica’s performance:

Florian Kohfeldt: I am very happy for him as he is a great guy who works hard and has had difficult times here. In December last year, he was given a few chances and was then criticised. He is a young player and that’s part of it. How he scored the second goal, was class.

Milot Rashica: Of course I am very happy with the goals and that I could help the team. I’m playing more recently and try to always give my best in training and help the team. The goals give me more confidence.

On Milos Veljkovic’s suspension:

Florian Kohfeldt: It is a shame for Milos but we also have Marco Friedl, who I trust fully and so I am not worried. I am happy that Marco will get some game time, as he as absolutely deserves it after his performances in training.

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