"We can’t switch off there"

SV Werder Bremen produced a spirited performance in Hoffenheim but ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat. As well as the early red card, the Green-Whites were particularly frustrated by the unnecessary goal conceded in Sinsheim, which came as the result of a lapse in concentration. WERDER.DE rounded up the key reactions from head coach Daniel Thioune, captain Marco Friedl and co. following the match.

Head coach Daniel Thioune: “Despite going down to ten men, the game plan didn’t necessarily change because we’d still set out to stay compact. That said, with eleven players, we would have settled into the game better. We could have transitioned more effectively and had more players in the box. We defended brilliantly and had to put in an enormous amount of work there. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make the most of the numerous counter-attacking opportunities we had. After the performance today, though, I’m not worried when I look ahead to next week. With a similar display, we’ll be capable of getting the point we need when it’s 11 versus 11, if it’s still necessary by then. Of course, we’d be delighted if our Bundesliga survival is confirmed later this evening.”

Managing director for sport Clemens Fritz: “It goes without saying that I’m not satisfied after that game. There were a few decisions during the match that didn’t go in our favour. Nevertheless, what annoys me most is the goal we conceded and the sending-off. Before the game, we highlighted Hoffenheim’s strength from set pieces, which makes the goal we conceded all the more frustrating. We can’t be switching off there. Even so, I have to compliment the team. The lads battled throughout the entire game against a Hoffenheim side who also weren’t at their best. Our focus is now on the final home game, where we want to pull together one last time. The positive thing is that it’s still in our own hands. It’s never a good feeling having to look at results elsewhere and rely on other teams.”

Captain Marco Friedl: “It was a hugely unfortunate start for us. Over the course of the 90 minutes, though, I think we put in a good performance away from home. We defended really well and also looked dangerous going forward in transition. I was genuinely surprised by how many chances Hoffenheim allowed us to have. The goal we conceded was completely unnecessary. That simply cannot happen at any stage of a game or a season. It meant we were chasing the game from that moment on. Of course, Hoffenheim were on top, but we still had good opportunities in the second half, so nobody could have complained if we’d found an equaliser. If we lose heavily because they completely outplay us, that’s easier to take than losing because of a goal like that.”

Senne Lynen: “We reacted well after the red card, stayed in the game and created chances. We switched off for just 20 seconds and were punished for it. It was far too sloppy a goal to concede from a lack of organisation at a corner. Even after that, we still had three or four really good opportunities. I want to give something back to the fans in our final home game.”

Jens Stage: “Ninety-nine per cent of the performance was good. We tried everything. After going down to ten men so early, we knew it was going to be difficult. Even so, we handled it well. With a little more luck, maybe we come away with a point, but in the end, we leave empty-handed. That hurts. It’s important for us as a team and a club to stick together. The support was fantastic once again today. We’ll keep working hard and try to push ourselves against Dortmund so that those decisive moments fall in our favour.”

Olivier Deman: “We gave absolutely everything in our defending after the early red card. The goal we conceded was far too easy, and we can and must defend better in that situation. Even so, I’m proud of the team for staying in the game despite being down to ten men. Everyone wanted to get something here and secure Bundesliga survival on our own terms. Next week at home, we want to put in another good performance and give everything once again.”