Courage to get back on track

Borussia Dortmund preview
Maximilian Eggestein & Co.will go into the game with confidence, despite their current predicament (Photo: nordphoto).
preliminary report
Monday, 03.02.2020 / 18:03

The overwhelming feeling after the weekend’s defeat at FC Augsburg is huge disappointment, however, there’s no time to waste feeling sorry for themselves for Florian Kohfeldt and his team, as attentions turn to Borussia Dortmund in the Last 16 of the DFB Pokal. The 37-year-old had already come to terms with the severity of the situation months ago, however the Pokal provides somewhat of a break from the Bundesliga for SVW, and gives them the chance to regain their confidence. “I’m aware of where we are at the moment, and how serious the situation is. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to this cup tie. We have nothing to lose,” and, therefore, everything to win. It’s a classic cup night on the Osterdeich; underneath the lights, with a sold-out crowd, against a historic opponent: there are more than enough reasons to be excited. “If that doesn’t get you excited, nothing will,” says the head coach. As difficult as it will be on Tuesday night (20:45 CET), the boys will hold their heads high, pull their socks up and go into the game with courage. There will be missed placed passes, there will be missed opportunities, however Kohfeldt is not fazed by this, “We need to take the game to them. We can’t be scared of making mistakes.” That is the only way that Werder will be able to play to their strengths, get back on track, and make it to the quarter-final.

Kohfeldt on the game: BVB have been in a rich vein of form recently, scoring 15 goals in their last three Bundesliga matches, and have acquired one of the best talents in Europe with the signing of Erling Braut Haaland. And head coach Florian Kohfeldt is well aware of what they can do, “We are the clear underdogs. They don’t have many weaknesses.” Last year’s Bundesliga runners-up have strengthened their team in numerous positions since the two sides met in the DFB Pokal last season. Lucien Favre has added another dimension to his attack with the summer signings of Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt, as well as Haaland’s addition in the recent January transfer window. This, of course, affects how Kohfeldt will line his side up for the game, “We will have to let them do certain things, there will be times when we will be under pressure and won’t have much of the ball. But we will be ready for it,” said the head coach. However, he remains confident ahead of the game. Their pre-game analysis has identified areas, “where we can hurt them.” We will see on Tuesday evening whether this will come true or not.

Park the bus? No chance!

(Photo: nordphoto).

The squad: Florian Kohfeldt spoke about a hat trick of comebacks from injury in his pre-game press conference on Monday. Milos Veljkovic (adductor), Sebastian Langkamp (knee) and Stefanos Kapino (flu) have all recovered from their respective injuries and will return to the squad for tomorrow’s game. Furthermore, no further injuries were picked up in Saturday’s defeat in Augsburg. Toprak, Moisander and Bittencourt all, “got through the game without any problems.” “We have no new injuries to report,” said the boss.

No stopping the “Rocket”

With five goals in five games, Milot Rashica is Werder's "Mr. DFB-Pokal" (Photo: nordphoto).

Last year’s DFB Pokal fixture: There aren’t many words to describe Werder’s last meeting with BVB in the Last 16 of the DFB Pokal other than “simply amazing”. Taking the lead, coming from behind twice, extra-time drama, Pizarro’s goal, Harnik’s last minute equaliser, a penalty shoot-out and into the quarter final. It doesn’t need to be quite as spectacular on Tuesday night; just a win will do.

Rocket’s record: It’s fair to say that Milot Rashica enjoys playing in the DFB Pokal. Werder’s number seven boasts an incredible record in the competition. The Kosovan has scored in each of their last five cup matches, equalling Heinz-Dieter Hasebrink, Uwe Reinders and Wynton Rufer’s joint record. If Rashica were to score again against Dortmund, he would set a new club record. Let’s go, Milot!

The officials: Guido Winkmann will take charge of the game. The 46-year-old will be assisted by Christian Bandurski and Arno Blos on the sidelines, while Frank Willenborg has been named as the fourth official. Tobias Welz and Frederick Assmuth will assist via VAR.

 
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