Building on a strong defensive showing

Frankfurt preview
Werder are looking to take three points from Frankfurt (Photo: nordphoto).
preliminary report
Friday, 04.10.2019 / 17:33

“Taking a point from Dortmund was great, but if we don’t follow that up with a good showing in Frankfurt, then it means nothing,” Ömer Toprak said in the Mixed Zone on Thursday. Since the start of the week, the team have set their sights on the match against Frankfurt and have the “clear goal” of taking home three points. All that stands between them and making this goal a reality are 90 minutes in the Commerzbank-Arena. The Green-Whites can expect to face a strong offensive side as they travel to face Frankfurt on Saturday, 6th October 2019 (at 17:00 CEST).

The squad: “Things are looking good for Ömer Toprak. He took part in every training session this week and didn’t have any issues keeping up during an intense 11v11 match yesterday. As a result, he could start against Frankfurt,” Florian Kohfeldt said during a pre-match press conference. But, this wasn’t the only good news that the Werder head coach had to share on Friday. Aside from Augustinsson, Füllkrug, Osako, Bartels and Möhwald, who are all dealing with long-term injuries, every other first-team member is fit and available for Sunday’s match. Only Moisander will have to wait a bit longer to make his return. The shortened list of injuries to the Werder squad gives Florian Kohfeldt more options to call upon once again. The Werder head coach could make several changes to his backline, but kept his cards close to his chest as to whether or not he will do so. Kohfeldt did not reveal how his back four will line up. However, finally having nearly a full squad to choose from again is “a wonderful and unusual problem to have.”

Milot does it again!

Milot Rashica scored the winner last time out at the Commerzbank-Arena (Photo: nordphoto).

The most recent match-up: The last meeting between the two sides in the Commerbank-Arena ended with wild celebrations for the Green-Whites. After a foul, Milot Rashica stepped up to take the free kick with the match deadlocked at 1-1 in the 96th minute. Rashica sent the ball flying into the net from 26 metres out, giving Werder their first win of the season. During the second half of the season, the match nearly ended the same way. In the end, Werder had to accept a 2-2 draw, despite a strong showing against the Europa League side. This Sunday marks a chance for a fresh start.

Florian Kohfeldt on the match: Just like he does ahead of every match, Florian Kohfeldt knows exactly what his side can expect from their opponents. He took the chance to confirm his observations “from the couch,” as Frankfurt continued their Europa League campaign on Thursday evening. “They play with a lot of intensity and physicality. They are an offensive side and want to create chances for themselves, same as we do.” Kohfeldt enjoys looking back on “one of the most beautiful games from last season,” where both teams gave it their all and each took home a point (2-2). “It was a spectacular match with a lot of emotion and constant back-and-forth. I’m expecting a great atmosphere for a match between two sides with a lot of history.”
 

Kohfeldt looks back

Ömer Toprak could be the key figure for Werder's defence (Photo: nordphoto).

A good omen: Not only were Werder the more dangerous side during the second half against Dortmund, but the team also looked more solid on defence. Now, Bremen could build on their strong defensive showing against Frankfurt. Werder have picked up more clean sheets against Frankfurt than against any other Bundesliga side. If Werder manage to not concede against Frankfurt for the 33rd time, then both the Werder fans and the backline together with goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka can all return home happy this Sunday.

Kohfeldt’s throwback: The match in the Commerzbank-Arena will also mark Florian Kohfeldt’s return to where he began his coaching career at Werder nearly two years ago. Following the dismissal of Alexander Nouri, Kohfeldt made his Bundesliga debut as a head coach with the Green-Whites in Frankfurt. As such, a return to Frankfurt is always filled with plenty of emotion. “It will always be a special stadium for me, because of that moment. I always take a minute to think about it. But, it doesn’t change the fact that I want to win this match.”

The officials: Gudio Winkmann will take charge of Sunday’s match. The linesmen will be Christian Bandurski and Arno Bloß. The fourth official is Arne Aarnick, and the video assistant referees will be Felix Zwayer and Marco Achmüller.

 

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