“Everyone knows just how important this match is”

There will be three more important points up for grabs this weekend, as SV Werder Bremen travel to take on 1. FC Köln on Sunday. In an interview with WERDER.DE, captain Marco Friedl discusses a deal he struck with head coach Daniel Thioune, the importance of the game against the Billy Goats and his successful time with the national team.

WERDER.DE: Moin Marco, Daniel Thioune shared in a podcast that in the event of a win in Wolfsburg, that the two of you had made a deal at the time. Have you come up with anything for Sunday already? 

Marco Friedl: No, not yet, actually. That’ll probably only happen the following week, when we’ve got a rather important game coming up. It’s funny that he told the story, and great when deals end up working out. 

WERDER.DE: The deal was that you would get to travel to meet up with the national team earlier, in order to also be able to attend the Madrid derby. Was that trip worth it? 

Marco Friedl: Yes, definitely. We met up with the national team in Marbella and so the flight to Madrid wasn’t long at all. I’d spoken with David [Alaba] before and told him that I’d like to go to the game. It wouldn’t have worked out with the original flights, which is why it was great that I was able to make that deal and that everything worked out as a result. It was an amazing game in a fantastic stadium between two great teams. What made it even better was that we were able to win our game as well. 

WERDER.DE: Your time with the national team went very well, as you also started both games. What feedback were you able to get from Ralf Rangnick?  

Marco Friedl: I know that how you perform is important to the coaching staff. I tried to work hard in training and quickly realised that I had a chance to play. Due to the fact that we had two internationals planned, I figured that there would be some rotation at my position, but luckily, that wasn’t the case. We were able to build our confidence and win both of our games. 

WERDER.DE: Romano said in an interview that he’s able to switch off more when he’s with the national team because, unlike at Werder, winning games isn’t a must. Have you been able to recharge at all ahead of the season run-in? 

Marco Friedl: Every player has different things to focus on when they arrive to the national team. Some are competing for league titles, others are battling relegation, while others still are competing for Europe, so you get to hear about a lot of different experiences. I really enjoy my time with the national team and it always flies by. However, in our current situation, your thoughts are always on what’s happening at your club.

WERDER.DE: Time is certainly flying by. The last time we sat down for an interview in late February, we were still winless in our first two games under Daniel Thioune. What’s changed since then? 

Marco Friedl: Our mindset. The coach has been able to teach us a lot. He coaches us both on and off the pitch, and also meets with us regularly. However, it wasn’t all bad before that – the only thing missing were the results. We were able to bring in some fresh momentum and a new approach. That’s why I’m very happy to have him here with us. 

WERDER.DE: The statistics show that, under Daniel, you’re giving up far fewer chances and conceding fewer goals as a result. Has that also had an effect on your mindset? 

Marco Friedl: We’re doing more when we don’t have the ball, but still: Leipzig had just two shots on goal and both went in. We’re still making the same mistakes, but our style of play has changed. We’re able to think a bit less, because the coach has given us a certain amount of freedom in certain areas. Now, it’s about making sure that we’re as successful as possible in both of the incredibly important games that we have coming up. 

"The game is incredibly important for both clubs and the atmosphere will reflect that."

Marco Friedl

WERDER.DE: You’ve had a few six-pointers recently, against Heidenheim, Union and Wolfsburg. Now, you’ll face a similar test in Cologne. What will be important in order to keep calm in the face of that pressure? 

Marco Friedl: Immediately after the Leipzig game, I said that we would be under pressure in this game. We’ve shown that we can do it. Those of us that have taken up responsibility within the team will make sure to remind everyone of this again, but I think everyone already knows just how important this match is. I’m convinced that we’ll show that on the pitch on Sunday and that we’ll be able to take home all three points. In order to do that, we need to be mentally strong and play as a team. Given that we are capable of doing both of those things, I’m feeling confident. 

WERDER.DE: In the reverse fixture earlier this season, it seemed as though your header had been enough to decide the game, before Köln equalised in injury time. Do you sometimes wish that you had more opportunities to score? 

Marco Friedl: I’m not known for scoring many goals, because I play in defence. Obviously when you have a chance to score from a set piece deep in the final third, then it would be great if we’re able to pose more of a threat from such situations in the future, particularly in order to help the team. But, I’d much rather not score for three years in exchange for us being successful as a team. 

WERDER.DE: Your fellow countryman and former Werder teammate Florian Kainz is set to retire at the end of the season. Are you hoping to come up against him one last time? 

Marco Friedl: Of course I’m hoping that Kainzi will be able to get some minutes on the pitch still. He can be proud of what he’s achieved. I’m very happy that I was able to share the pitch with him for a bit. We’ll keep in touch even after his retirement. I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow, but I’m also hoping that we are the ones that win the game. 

WERDER.DE: One final question ahead of the game: Köln have recently made a change in head coach and the atmosphere surrounding the club is extremely charged. What are you expecting from the game? 

Marco Friedl: I’ve played there often and an away game there is always a highlight. There will be 6,000 fans there to support us and the atmosphere will be fantastic. The game is incredibly important for both clubs and the atmosphere will reflect that, with the home fans making a lot of noise as well. They’re a cool club and I’m really looking forward to the game. 

WERDER.DE: So are we. Good luck and see you Sunday!