Frank Baumann is set to take over from Thomas Eichin. SV Werder revealed this change in management on Thursday and chairman of the supervisory board Marco Bode took part in a press conference in the afternoon to discuss the matter and answer questions from journalists.
WERDER.DE has put together the most important statements from the press conference.
Marco Bode on…
…the discussion with Thomas Eichin: I informed Thomas Eichin of the decision this morning. It was a professional, open, honest and friendly discussion. He made it very easy for me to explain the decision. He was obviously disappointed but we have gone our separate ways without holding any grudges. I thanked him for the three years we’ve worked together, as well as his dedication and commitment.
…the decision to change personnel: The decision was made on Wednesday evening by the supervisory board. We came to the understanding that if we wanted to make a change to the club’s philosophy and the direction we’re heading in, we had to make a change at the top level.
…the club’s new direction: This decision concerns the future and not the past. We want to be a club that enthuses and attracts people and that develops young players who can identify with the club. We want to continue along this path. We therefore asked ourselves the question: “Where are we going and with which team can we achieve the best possible?”
…the successor: I’m delighted that we have found a worthy successor in Frank Baumann. He brings everything you need to the table. Frank Baumann has the necessary experience in this position. I am convinced that, with his skills, personality and how much he identifies with the club, he’s the perfect fit for Werder. The idea that he was going to succeed Thomas Eichin has not been in our thoughts for weeks, in fact we only considered the possibility in the last 48 hours. We are very pleased that he has agreed to start immediately because in football, in terms of planning the squad, as soon as one season is over you have to start getting ready for the next. Other candidates were not discussed.
…Baumann’s skills: He has collected a lot of valuable experience alongside Klaus Allofs and has been involved in sorting some important transfers. In addition, he has extensive experience in scouting and has previously been in charge of youth setups. He already has contacts within the club. He will deal with everything in a very professional manner.
…analysing last season: Over the past few days we have started to go over last season. We believe that we have to start from the top when it comes to drawing consequences. Open and honest analysis is ongoing. Frank Baumann will be included in this process in the coming weeks.
…the coach’s position: It seems to have been depicted as a power struggle surrounding the coach’s position – either between myself and Eichin or Eichin and Skripnik. That wasn’t key in this decision though. I am not going to comment on the issue. The plan is that Frank Baumann will officially take officer in the coming weeks. It’s up to him, together with his colleagues, to make a decision about the work of the coaching staff.
… the relegation battle: I have seen a team that, together with Viktor Skripnik, has thrown everything into retaining their top-flight status. We succeeded. Moreover, I have witnessed and experienced a city with an outstanding and unique fan culture, which encapsulates the character of Werder and the city of Bremen.
… the relationship between Eichin and Skripnik: I think how Viktor Skripnik has been treated in recent weeks is uncalled for. I can’t confirm any rumours of a troubled relationship or rift between Thomas Eichin and Viktor Skripnik though. There were obviously situations, along with sporting situations, that we weren’t best pleased about and had to ponder. There’s no point denying that.
