Steffen Praises Werder’s Outstanding Training Week Since His Arrival
Werder Bremen is preparing for a crucial match against Union Berlin this Friday evening following a disappointing performance against Heidenheim. Head coach Horst Steffen expressed optimism about the team’s training week and welcomed back a key player from injury.
Positive Signs from Training Week
During a press conference, Steffen was beaming as he announced the return of Niklas Stark to the squad. The 30-year-old defender has been sidelined since the second matchday due to hip problems. This week, Stark participated partially in team training, prompting Steffen to state that he could potentially be fit to play.
Aside from Stark’s return, the injury status of other players remains unchanged. Mitchell Weiser, Maximilian Wöber, Olivier Deman, Isaac Schmidt, and Felix Agu continue to recover from their respective issues. However, Senne Lynen is expected back after missing last week’s match due to the birth of his second child.
Reflections on Previous Match
Steffen reflected on the earlier match against Heidenheim, which ended in a 2-2 draw. He described the performance as “outside of the norm,” noting a lack of intensity and execution in the first half. This week, the team focused on addressing these issues, and Steffen believes they are ready to show improvement.
Expectations Against Union Berlin
As they head into the match against Union Berlin, Steffen has observed positive indicators from training. He emphasized the importance of accuracy and activity on the pitch. The coach believes that the players will bring energy and commitment to the game.
- Match Date: Friday, 8:30 PM
- Opponent: Union Berlin
- Stark’s return from injury
- Lynen expected to play
Facing a Tough Opponent
Steffen acknowledged that Union presents a challenge similar to Heidenheim but is qualitatively stronger. He noted that Union has lost all six of their away games on Fridays, which might work in Werder’s favor. However, he remains cautious, stating that past performances should not overly influence their approach.
With a robust training week behind them, Werder Bremen is eager to prove their mettle in front of their home supporters. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the remainder of their season.
