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“We need to build from that foundation”
AHEAD OF THE CRUCIAL HOME CLASH WITH 1. FC HEIDENHEIM, NIKLAS STARK SPOKE ABOUT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRAIN, HIS EXPERIENCE IN RELEGATION BATTLES AND FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE.
26/02/26 | 4 Min
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Niklas Stark is finally back to full fitness. The 30-year-old centre-back hasn’t been afforded the luxury of easing himself back into Bundesliga action – instead, he’s immediately become an important figure again for Werder. Ahead of the crucial home clash with 1. FC Heidenheim, Stark spoke about physical and mental strain, his experience in relegation battles and finding the right balance.
WERDER.DE: Starki, after the defeat at St. Pauli, what weighed heavier – the mental aspect or, after your long injury lay-off, the physical strain?
Niklas Stark: That’s a good question. Probably a bit of both. Physically, it’s manageable – most players have been so exhausted at some point that they could barely run. Mentally it’s tougher, because we expected more from those 90 minutes. It’s frustrating, especially because you’re not alone in feeling that way – a lot of people suffer with you.
WERDER.DE: After 45 minutes against Bayern, you played the full 90 at St. Pauli. How do you deal with being thrown straight in at the deep end?
Niklas Stark: Right now, that’s not what matters. We’ve got important games ahead. Everyone is putting personal concerns aside and focusing on the bigger picture. That’s what I’m doing too.
WERDER.DE: The game at the Millerntor marked the first time that you’d played the full 90 minutes this season. Is that something you can draw strength from in this situation?
Niklas Stark: Yes, definitely, but not in the sense that I’m bouncing around like a young kid. It just feels good to be back doing my job properly. I can help the team and the club again with what I bring to the table, and that’s important.
WERDER.DE: You’ve experienced a relegation battle before with Hertha BSC, where you stayed up via the play-offs. How can that experience help here?
Niklas Stark: It’s about dealing with pressure and setbacks. That’s never easy, and you don’t want to get used to it. But I’ve been through it before, so I try to pass on that experience to the team.
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WERDER.DE: Positive results have been hard to come by recently. How important would it be to take the lead in a game again?
Niklas Stark: We’ll see when it happens. Of course, when you’re ahead you’ve got something to protect, and you need to handle that too. For me, the positive thing to take from St. Pauli was that we showed a certain stability. That’s the foundation we need to build on. From there, step by step, we can work our way back to winning games.
WERDER.DE: In a relegation battle, the only thing that matters is picking up points. Set pieces can be crucial, and you introduced a few new ideas at St. Pauli. How important can those moments be?
Niklas Stark: We’re always trying new things, and not for the first time. Set pieces can definitely open the door. But they work best when there’s stability and clear patterns in place. The key is being solid on the pitch first and forcing those moments.
WERDER.DE: When a team drops towards the bottom of the table, the outside scrutiny increases. Is there an added motivation to prove people wrong?
Niklas Stark: It can either hold you back or motivate you. I don’t pay too much attention to it. When things aren’t going well, I look at myself and what I can improve. I’ve learned that wanting it too much doesn’t help the team either. You have to find the right balance – not overdo it, but stay focused and do your job.
WERDER.DE: Do you feel you’re getting closer to that balance?
Niklas Stark: Yes, I think it’s improving. Of course, it’s difficult to talk about stability after 13 games without a win. But there’s a feeling developing that gives me confidence.
WERDER.DE: Heidenheim come to the Weserstadion needing points themselves and with plenty of pace in their side. What will be key on Saturday?
Niklas Stark: Our defensive structure when we lose the ball will be crucial. We need to stay tight to our men so we can drop back together if needed. We have to be sharp and react quickly when possession changes. If we feel that’s working well, we’ll play with more confidence. And with the crowd behind us and that positive feeling, the wins will come again.
WERDER.DE: All the best for the week’s training. See you on Saturday!
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