“It is everyone’s responsibility to turn things around”

After head coach Horst Steffen was relieved of his duties on Sunday, 01.02.2026, Werder’s managing director of football Clemens Fritz answered questions from journalists during a press conference. The 45-year-old spoke about…

… Horst Steffen being let go: “We acted with full conviction. We had imagined things going very differently but met yesterday evening to discuss the sporting situation, concluding that a new impetus is required in order to bring us out of our current standing. We do not find ourselves in an impossible situation, but it is a challenging one, looking at the table. It was not an easy decision to relieve Horst of his duties, since we truly valued him. We shared our decision with him this morning before also with the team.”

… assistant coaches Duarte & Groß taking over in the interim: “We want to find a solution as quickly as possible and implement a new head coach. We value Raphael and Grosso very highly. I spoke with Raphael to let him know that he is staying. Until a new head coach is appointed, both Raphael and Grosso will take the reins on an interim basis and probably be in charge in Freiburg.”

… requirements for a potential new coach: “We have created a clear profile. I will not reveal that publicly, however. The important thing for us is to find someone who brings a new energy, impulse, and communicative style. We know what we need and what we are looking for. We are working tirelessly to find a solution as swiftly as possible. We have a shortlist of candidates, with one or two names pencilled in, but need to assess what is possible from a financial point of view.”

… the season so far: “We could have picked up more points. Nevertheless, we do not want to look for any quick fixes, rather act with composure and clarity. That is what Werder Bremen is always characterised by. We have held many talks internally and gathered information in order to establish a complete picture and make the next step.”

… the reaction from the team: “We have had the talk internally and it is also tough for the team to take. I cannot accuse them of anything, because they always brought the energy onto the pitch. The responsibility is shared – I am responsible, as are the team. The lads have shown in the most recent games like against Gladbach and Frankfurt that the desire is there and they can demonstrate character. We have nonetheless recognised that we need to inject a new impulse.”

… the quality within the squad: “The team possesses quality, but it was not easy for Horst, since many injuries meant he often did not have the full cohort at his disposal. We had a big upheaval in the squad. I had never made bones about the fact that it could be a trying year but we do not want to be deterred from our directive of integrating young players. However, it is clear that staying up is the aim now for Werder Bremen and need to put our own interests above everything. The task at hand is to approach the upcoming tests with positive energy and full focus. It is everyone’s responsibility to turn things around.”

… criticism regarding squad planning: “I take responsibility. I’m open to criticism and take this on board. This is a challenging situation for me and all of us. I am not someone to run away from tricky situations and am reflective of my actions. Werder Bremen always holds the utmost importance.”

… potential deadline-day signings: “We will see what is possible. However, nothing has changed in comparison to what I have said over the past few days. If something is financially viable, and someone fits in with our profile, then things could happen. We will nevertheless not act purely for the sake of it.”