“We lacked that final push”

Post-match reaction to the DFB-Pokal defeat to Frankfurt
Werder were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal (Photo: nordphoto).
First Team
Thursday, 05.03.2020 / 00:53

Werder's DFB-Pokal run has come to an end, after a 2-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. After getting off to a slow start in the first half, Werder delivered a strong performance with Davie Selke and Maximilian Eggestein both coming close to scoring the opener. "We found our way into the game after 25 minutes, and created a few clear-cut chances for ourselves. We were in the game, until we conceded that penalty," said head coach Florian Kohfeldt. Werder attempted to mount a comeback during the second half, before Frankfurt sealed the deal by adding a second. To top it all off, Ömer Toprak also had to be carried off injured in the 90th minute following a foul from Filip Kostic.

WERDER.DE has all the post-match reaction from the players and head coach.

 

On the match:

Niklas Moisander: "We're very disappointed. We played really well in the first half then got unlucky with the penalty. No one on the pitch noticed it at first then it completely destroyed our momentum. Frankfurt were the better team in the second half."

Kevin Vogt: “It’s very disappointing, because we played well during the first half. We found our way into the match during the first half, and had a few good chances. We should have taken the lead. We lacked that final push after going 2-0 down. At the same time, we were still able to create chances. Overall, we managed to find our way into the final third on several occasions tonight.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “I spoke to the team and thanked them for the fighting spirit they displayed. I witnessed a thrilling Pokal match today, one where we struggled a bit to contain Frankfurt during the first 25 minutes. We then got a better grip on things. We had two good chances towards the end of the first half and were in the game, until we conceded the goal. We defended badly before letting in the second goal. We will now put this defeat behind us and put our full focus on the league.”

On the handball:

Maximilian Eggestein came close to scoring against Frankfurt (Photo: nordphoto).

Ludwig Augustinsson: “I saw the ball and jumped to win the header against Chandler. That’s why my arm was so high up. Unfortunately, that’s what the rule it, but it’s still disappointing.”

Niklas Moisander: “Maybe that was the breaking point, but it was still just 1-0 at that point. We have the quality needed to be able to turn that around still.”

Kevin Vogt: “It’s a constant issue. The referee is there and then has to go review it two minutes later. But, you have to be able to brush off such situations, even if they weigh on you and you’re a bit angry about it at first.”

Florian Kohfeldt: “I don’t want to say too much on this topic, otherwise I’ll come across as if I’m complaining too much. I’ve said enough about such situations over the last two years. There are over 50,000 people in the stadium. None of the spectators or the referee saw anything. Then we have this forensic inspection. The video assistant referee should step in when a wrong decision has been made. That’s all I can say about that.”

On Toprak's injury:

Florian Kohfeldt: “Ömer Toprak is in the hospital with a suspected fibula fracture. It's very sad; he's fought really hard this year to get fit again. I don’t want to bad-mouth Filip Kostic in this situation either. He apologised right away after the match and was also in touch with Ömer. To be honest, that’s just football.”

On the upcoming match in Berlin:

After a fould from Filip Kostic, Ömer Toprak had to be carried off the pitch (Photo: nordphoto).

Niklas Moisander: “What matters for us now is the match on Saturday. Given the situation, it’s good that we’re staying in Frankfurt as a team. We will analyse the match tomorrow. I am confident that we will pick up points in Berlin, because we played well during the first half. We gave it our all and were dangerous on the attack once again.”

Kevin Vogt: “With an eye on Berlin, I’m taking some positives out of today’s match. We were dynamic, were better at using the spaces and creating chances for ourselves. That’s not a coincidence. But, you then have to finish your chances. We go again on Saturday. We need to continue to focus on what’s ahead.”

Ludwig Augustinsson: “We don’t have much time to waste thinking about this game. Instead, we need to look at what still to come. We have another important game coming up soon. We don’t have a lot of time. We need to recover quickly.”

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