SV Werder Bremen put in a combative performance against Mainz on Saturday but were unable to come out on top. The performance was solid; however, they were missing the luck needed to grab a winner in such a tight game. “Obviously a win would have been good for us, but this point could be crucial come the end of the season,” explained Viktor Skripnik.
This sentiment was echoed by players and staff alike. “We can’t be happy because we should have taken more than a point,” remarked Santiago Garcia although Thomas Eichin was full of praise for the “great performance.”
WERDER.DE caught up with the protagonists after the final whistle.
Clemens Fritz: "We kept pressing for a second right up until the final whistle but the finals balls weren’t quite good enough. Mainz were compact, which made life tough for us."
Viktor Skripnik: "I’m disappointed with our performance in front of goal. We had chances and should have scored more, however, I’m not going to be too critical. Mainz are a good side but we pushed them all of the way. Obviously a win would have been nice but at least we didn’t lose."
Zlatko Junuzovic: "It was an intense game and we’re had to have claimed a point, but we’d have won if luck was on our side. We gave it our all. Maybe we could have taken more risks but Mainz are good on the break, so we didn’t want to be too open."
Fin Bartels: "I’m optimistic. We gave it our all and gave a good account of ourselves. We knew that Mainz are a dangerous side so we did well to keep them quiet. It was good to take a point before the break."
Thomas Eichin: "We were the better side overall but despite this it’s nice to have taken a point. Things can quickly go wrong defensively if you push too hard against a side like Mainz."
Felix Wiedwald: "Both sides gave it their all. Mainz are strong on the counter and clinical but we managed to nullify their threat. We pushed for a win late on but a draw is probably the right result. It was important to take something from the game because the sides around us have done well this weekend."
Santiago García: "We’re not totally happy because a point isn’t enough. We’re proud of how we played against a good Mainz side. The only thing that was missing was a winner."
Viktor Skripnik: "I thought he was going to score a few more to be honest with you! I’m really happy for him. Hopefully he keeps up the good work in the coming weeks."
Fin Bartels: "Claudio is hugely important for us – he’s lethal."
Thomas Eichin: "Claudio is a great guy and I’m delighted for him. He’s an important member of the team."
Fin Bartels: "It will be tough but we have faith in our abilities."
Thomas Eichin: "We’ll need to step it up a bit in Dortmund. We need to perform better than we did in Munich recently. The Bayern game taught us a few things."
Viktor Skripnik: "We’re going to work hard in the international break to ensure that we’re ready to face Dortmund."
Santiago García: "Dortmund are a good side but we’re not going there to make up the numbers. You always have a chance."
Zlatko Junuzovic: "It’s just another game – three points are available like always. We know that it will be difficult but if we show spirit anything is possible."
