Dawid Kownacki is SV Werder Bremen’s first new signing for the 2023/24 season. The 26-year-old previously played for Fortuna Düsseldorf and has now moved to SVW on a free transfer. Kownacki, who speaks and understands German, gave the interview in English to express himself better, and spoke to WERDER.DE about the reasons for his move, his experiences with SVW and his aims.
WERDER.DE: Moin Dawid, welcome to the Werder family. Why did you decide to move to Bremen?
Dawid Kownacki: There were several options for me, but the management of Werder showed me that they really want me and believe in me as a player and person. That’s why I decided that the transfer was right for me and my development. The club has put difficult times behind it and is developing constantly at the moment, which is the same for me. I also like the environment and the fans that bring a lot of emotion.
I’m not your typical number nineDawid Kownacki
WERDER.DE: It’s definitely not easy to speak about yourself, but what type of player would you say you are?
Dawid Kownacki: I’m a striker but not your typical number nine. I don’t wait for the ball but like to work for the team. I look for spaces between players and can play that final pass. I am just as pleased about making an assist as I am about scoring a goal.
WERDER.DE: When you heard about interest from Werder: what memories did you have about the club?
Dawid Kownacki: Of course I remember the times when Ailton, Pizarro and Klose played here, but I’ve been in Germany for four years now and follow football here very closely. I saw that 25,000 fans went to the away match in Berlin, which is unbelievable. When I played with Fortuna at home against Werder, they had only been relegated a few months ago and the fans stood by their team even in the bad times.
WERDER.DE: Did you speak to anyone else except your family or your management about your transfer to Bremen? Klaus Allofs for example?
Dawid Kownacki: To be honest, no. Of course, it’s always nice to hear from former Bremen players about the club or the city. But in the end, it was my decision that I wanted to make for myself. Only when I was 100 percent certain did I tell the club. I’m very happy to take this step and hopefully help the club soon.
WERDER.DE: You only played in front of empty stands at the wohninvest WESERSTADION during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Dawid Kownacki: I’m really looking forward to playing here for the first time, I can’t wait! I’ve also played in big stadiums in Poland. I like these games because then you know what you are playing football for. For some it’s more pressure, for me it gives me a positive feeling. I’m looking forward to the fans and I hope that we connect quickly.
WERDER.DE: Was it a relief for you to tell Fortuna early on that you would not be extending your contract there?
Dawid Kownacki: I made the decision at the time without knowing where I would be playing next year. That was a risk on my part. My family and I then decided that we could be happy in Bremen.
WERDER.DE: What are your goals and expectations for your time at Werder?
Dawid Kownacki: As I said before, I want to improve every week, but in football there is not just one player, but everyone has to work together. If that happens, the team can achieve something. Every player needs his teammates on the pitch, especially me as a striker.
