Friday evening under the lights - the season opener. All eyes will be fixed upon the opening match between champions Bayern Munich and Werder on 26th August. A difficult yet very appealing challenge awaits the Green-Whites on matchday one of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season.
WERDER.DE has collected the initial reactions to the release of the Bundesliga schedule.
Frank Baumann: "The anticipation to get things started outweighs the challenge of facing the champions. It is the opening game of the season, and will be watched all around the world. So obviously the interest and attention will be high. Of course, no player wants to miss out on it. Everyone will want to play, and that will be noticeable in the preparation. For us, it will be the same in the middle of the season, as at the start."
Viktor Skripnik: "You couldn’t ask for anymore from an opening match. To face Bayern away is very big challenge, but one that we can all look forward to. Our fans would much rather it be a home game, but I think they will support us just as loudly in Munich."
Felix Wiedwald: "To be taking part in the very first game of the season is something quite special. Everyone involved in German football will be watching the opening match, and matches between Werder and Bayern have always been classics. I am looking forward to the challenge."
Theodor Gebre Selassie: "I would much rather play against Bayern on matchday one than on the last day of the season. I am already looking forward to seeing the boys again, getting back into our preparation, getting the season underway, and above all, feeling the atmosphere in the stadium. In the semi-final of the cup we saw that with a lot of commitment, a concentrated performance, and a bit of luck, you can really take the game to Bayern."
Fin Bartels: "I think that it is something a bit special for any footballer, to get the season underway at Bayern. we are all really up for it and highly motivated. I am excited, and I am looking forward to this big challenge at the start of the new season."
