“Everyone is ready and raring to go!”

The first home game of the season is almost here! On Saturday 5th September 2026 at 15:30 CEST, Werder take on RB Leipzig at the Weserstadion. Before the fixture, head coach Daniel Thioune spoke with journalists at the press conference about...

…RB Leipzig: “Leipzig started the season really well, with an xG of over 4 and over 20 shots recorded. We’re playing against a Champions League team, so the quality of our play and our passing will be key. We have to keep up the intensity and match them physically.”

…the transfer window: “We have a good squad that’s well balanced. We should be in a position where we are able to achieve our main target of reaching 40 points as quickly as possible. Obviously we’re not in an optimal position due to several injuries, but this squad now has an opportunity to develop together.”

…our most recent signings: “The fact that the squad was finalised so late isn’t ideal. We signed some young, ambitious players at the end of the window. Youri Regeer, Moussa Ndiaye and Arthur are players who don’t need much time to settle in and will give me new possibilities. I’m definitely considering them as options for Saturday.”

…Youri Regeer and Moussa Ndiaye: “In Youri, we’ve added a player from one of the top sides in Dutch football. Whether he plays or not will depend on what we need in the midfield on Saturday. Dariusz Stalmach came on and put in a good performance in Freiburg, but we also saw Senne Lynen having to leave the pitch. Moussa Ndiaye is another quality player with potential, who could immediately be a direct challenger for Olivier Deman’s position.”

…Arthur: “I see him as a right-back who likes to play in a back four. He’s a very quick and dynamic player who can also help us going forward. Mick Schmetgens did well, but there’s a good chance that Arthur will start on Saturday. He was really keen to play for us.”

...Jens Stage’s injury: “We spoke before his operation, of course. I have a connection with my players, particularly Jens. The first thing I saw after he had the operation was a photo of him with his thumbs up, so we're already on the way to recovery there. We’re really looking forward to the day that Jens is back with the Werder family. It’s important that he remains close to the team because he can also help us off the pitch.”  

…new options in midfield: “How we used Chuki in Freiburg was the obvious tactical solution. I thought he did really well. With Youri, I’ve now got another option, meaning that certain dynamics and different options are possible.”

…the criticism: “I’ve noticed how critical everyone is already being towards us. No one was pleased with the game in Freiburg but everyone was open to criticism and we’ve carried out a thorough review. I can feel the willingness of the team in every training session. Give us the chance to show what we can do! Everyone is ready and raring to go!”

…the atmosphere within the team: “There is a certain degree of dissatisfaction because the lads obviously want to win football matches. The team is determined and we’re adapting. There’s currently a bit of friction in the team, which I’m pleased with as a coach because we shouldn’t all be pleased after a 4-1 loss on the opening day of the season.”