Couldn’t get over the line

Dortmund match reaction

Gálvez and Co. are massively disappointed after the loss but they know that they can build on their strong showing. (Photo: nordphoto)
First Team
Sunday, 03.04.2016 / 12:30

SV Werder Bremen’s commitment and passion during Saturday’s game at Borussia Dortmund were exemplary, but despite their good performance they once again left empty-handed following the 3-2 defeat. “We lost because we didn’t manage to hold on to our lead,” explained keeper Felix Wiedwald after the game. “In my opinion there is nothing to be critical about today, apart from the fact that we didn't get over the line, especially with having taken the lead in the 75th minute. I’m upset that the team didn’t reward themselves,” said Thomas Eichin. SV Werder Bremen’s commitment and passion during Saturday’s game at Borussia Dortmund were exemplary, but despite their good performance they once again left empty-handed following the 3-2 defeat. “We lost because we didn’t manage to hold on to our lead,” explained keeper Felix Wiedwald after the game. “In my opinion there is nothing to be critical about today, apart from the fact that we had to close out the game, especially when you take the lead in the 75th minute. I’m upset that the team didn’t reward themselves,” said Thomas Eichin. 

WERDER.DE was at Signal Iduna Park and gathered statements from those involved.

Zlatko Junuzovic scored to giver Werder a 2-1 lead but unfortunately things didn't stay that way. (Photo: nordphoto)

On the game:

Jannik Vestergaard: “It’s very bitter to hold the lead ten minutes before the final whistle and still lose the game. We knew that we had to defend well in this game and cover a lot of ground in order to close down the space. We didn’t allow them to score in the first half, but after the break we were too open at the back at times. Dortmund found gaps and took advantage of them clinically.”

Clemens Fritz: “We gave a courageous performance today, fought passionately and went to our limits. Everyone approached this task with a positive mindset. We came really close to taking a result. Dortmund showed their quality after we took the lead and ran at us brilliantly. In the end it’s agonising to score twice in Dortmund but still go home empty-handed. We are very disappointed.”

Viktor Skripnik: “We know who we played against today and know what a quality opponent Dortmund are. At the end of the day we still suffered a defeat, which upsets us all. We closed down the spaces well, but at the same time never forgot to work the ball forward too. Unfortunately we conceded the goals too quickly after taking the lead ourselves. Apart from that we played a great game. We showed good character and the second half especially was great to watch for the spectators.”

Felix Wiedwald: “It was a very good performance by us. We gave our all and made life difficult for Dortmund. If we weren’t in a relegation battle, we would congratulate ourselves for producing a great Bundesliga game. But in the end we didn’t pick up any points today, which we shouldn’t allow to happen given the situation we are in. We have to take the positives from this match - we had a solid defence, showed a good transitional play and our set-pieces looked a lot better. That gives us confidence for the upcoming weeks.”

We must not rest after this performance
Zlatko Junuzovic

Zlatko Junuzovic: “Obviously we are disappointed. We came from behind to take the lead ourselves. It was a great moment of relief when we scored to make it 2-1. We had a feeling that we could get a result. The amount of pressure that Dortmund created towards the end was too great for us. They are very confident on the ball and move around a lot. The loud crowd adds to their strengths.”

Thomas Eichin: “We put in a better display than against FC Bayern. I’m generally satisfied with the way we presented ourselves, even if we should’ve been more consistent in closing out the game after we took the lead. That upsets me, as we now have no points to take with us back home. We were able to cause problems for Dortmund and the two goals we scored made them angry. Unfortunately they are light-years ahead of us. We should’ve been more aggressive in our challenges and needed that bit of luck at the end, to take a point from this match.”

On the conceded goals:

Felix Wiedwald: “We are the team which concedes the most goals from set-pieces and Dortmund’s 3-2 winner came from a corner. It’s really agonising that we concede so many goals from situations that are seemingly easy to defend.”

Viktor Skripnik: Despite the loss, the head coach is happy with the character his side showed in the second half. (Photo: nordphoto)

On the situation in the standings:

Clemens Fritz: “We’ve been under pressure this whole time and we know that we have to fight until the final matchday. Since the winter break, we’ve often shown that we have a great team spirit. I think we provided Dortmund with a stern test today and showed what we are capable off. I’m convinced that we can avoid relegation with more performances like today."

Jannik Vestergaard: “We have to focus on the things we are able to take from this game. If we keep producing this type of performance in our last games and continue to present ourselves as a team, then we will not lose a lot of our matches.”

Felix Wiedwald: “Fortunately, our direct competitors failed to pick up points as well, but we missed an opportunity to distance ourselves from the danger zone. The decisive weeks with plenty of home games are coming up now.”

Viktor Skripnik: “We will now face opponents that are more suited to our level of quality and these are the games that we have to win at all costs. We have to replicate today’s performance and keep showing character. We shouldn’t be upset about today’s outcome, but instead keep believing in ourselves and keep looking ahead.”

Zlatko Junuzovic: “In the end we actually played a good game today and showed that we are prepared for the next tasks. If we play like this in our home game with Augsburg and the remaining six games after that, then I’m not worried at all.”

On the five-man backline:

Jannik Vestergaard: “Playing with three, or rather five defenders was the right strategy for today. I felt very comfortable with our approach tactically. I think we defended well against world class players and really made it hard for them. I’m not sure what our coaching staff intends to do next, but I can see us playing with this formation in future as well.”

On Alejandro Gálvez’ goal:

Jannik Vestergaard: “It was a nice goal and a huge relief for him. He showed us today that he is there and works hard for the team.”

Zlatko Junuzovic: “I was pleased with his performance. He was aggressive and played well overall. It was great for him, that he was able to reward himself with a goal.”

 

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