“The people of Bremen want Werder to be successful”

Marco Friedl arrived in Bremen as a teenager. He has since become a renowned face in the Bundesliga as he serves in his fourth season as Werder club captain. Few know the city, the club and everything that comes with it quite as well as the 27-year-old, who recognises the key role that football plays in the lives of those living in Bremen. In an interview with WERDER.DE, Friedl speaks about hoping to spark a turnaround in form, the mood within the city and the upcoming clash with FC St. Pauli at the Millerntor.

WERDER.DE: Hi, Marco. After the Bayern game, you didn’t mince your words in stating that the next few weeks would show whether you are a team or not. Did the past week of training give you that impression?

Marco Friedl: Yes, for sure! We trained intensively and with full focus. The sessions were led well by the coaching staff, making sure that we brought the heat and every one of the boys followed suit. Everyone knows that decisive weeks lie ahead. I am certain that we will turn to the right direction.

WERDER.DE: You have recently spoke about the danger of the situation. To what extent does it help you to have previously experienced this worst-case scenario in order to sharpen the senses and spark a turnaround ahead of time?

Marco Friedl: Talking about possible outcomes can have a negative effect mentally. It is a fact that we are in a relegation battle. However, we would quickly see ourselves pushing for higher places should we have some success in games. When you haven’t won in 12 matches, though, that obviously sounds a bit easier said than done. The key thing is knowing that we are capable of beating every opponent that lies before us. We need to operate as a unit – do that and there’s every chance we move up the table. Our aim is to work to get ourselves out of this situation bit-by-bit and into a nicer one.

WERDER.DE: You arrived in Bremen eight years ago and know as well as anyone how much Werder means to this place. How do you perceive the mood and the concerns of the people in the city?

Marco Friedl: It is normal that not only we but also the fans are feeling tense and nervous when the team has not won for so long. Every person in Bremen wants Werder to be successful and when that isn’t the case, you can feel the impact across the entire city, be it in the bakery or standing at traffic lights.

WERDER.DE: The away section is once again sold-out for this weekend’s clash at the Millerntor. The backing of the fans and their support can provide a significant push in the attempt to avoid the drop. What can you, the team, gain from this togetherness?

Marco Friedl: The fans possess good intuition. If they travel long distances and feel that we weren’t 100 per cent ready, then they realise some encouragement is needed. Against Bayern, they were there when they saw us giving it our all. Everything depends on how we perform. That makes it all the more wonderful when we win games again, and they support us and celebrate us. That’s why it makes me happy to always see full stands, not only away but also at home.

WERDER.DE: Werder have acquired a new head coach in Daniel Thioune, who has provided the team with new impetus. How have you as a group experienced this change?

Marco Friedl: He has not had a lot of time and is trying to keep the things easy that are important for his game. He is attempting to put the basics right and has a sense for when training sessions need to be more heated and when more relaxed. He not only communicates on the pitch but also leads many discussions in the dressing room and is making a good impression.

WERDER.DE: It is likely to go down to the final matchday this year in terms of securing the club’s Bundesliga status. Do you sense the mentality within the team to roll up your sleeves and to fight with heart and passion?

Marco Friedl: I have to be honest: there were periods during the season where I didn’t feel that we had tried everything to produce our best – but that has changed. Even if it sounds harsh, we played better in the second half of the season, even under Horst (editor’s note: Steffen, former head coach), than in the months before. Yesterday, we had a long meeting with all the players, where everyone contributed, and matters were addressed openly and honestly. That did us good. Of course, it’s helpful to discuss things, but at the end of the day, what counts is what happens on the pitch at the weekend.

"It will not come easy. At the end of the day, a lot of fight and determination will be needed"

WERDER.DE: How important is it to stay positive and gain back some ease of things as a result?

Marco Friedl: I’m feeling pretty optimistic. We’re entering the final stretch of the season now and heading into direct duels with opponents who have the same aim as us. If we bring the same determination to the pitch, I am confident that we can win these games because we already possess a great deal of quality in our team.

WERDER.DE: Let’s turn attentions to the fixture away to FC St. Pauli, for which centre-back Karim will be out. How tricky is it to have to deal with repeated changes to the back line?

Marco Friedl: That is football and something we have often experienced over the past few years. It is a shame for Karim and for us, because when he has been fit, he has always played. You build that automatic connection with him and understand how he operates. Nevertheless we have players ready to step up with whom we train every day and who are not just anyone else.

WERDER.DE: Following the clash with Bayern, FC St. Pauli will presumably allow more possession. What kind of game do you expect on Sunday?

Marco Friedl: Even if St. Pauli do look to play their way to goal, there will no doubt be a few long balls also sent our way. We must be alert to the second balls, as well. It will not come easy. At the end of the day, a lot of fight and determination will be needed in order for us to try and get into our rhythm. We will require a clinical head in either box and a desire to defend our own goal. If we can bring that mentality to the pitch, then we will win the game.

WERDER.DE: Fingers are crossed. See you Sunday, Marco!