The brutal nature of sport

Match reaction

The Werder players can take many positives from the game. (Photo: nordphoto).
First Team
Thursday, 22.09.2016 / 00:12

Von Dominik Kupilas, Maximilian Prasuhn und David Steinkuhl

Immediately after the final whistle of Werder’s 2-1 loss to Mainz, interim head coach called his players together in the centre circle of the pitch and gave them a message. “I told the team that they had given everything and they have performed well. We can take a lot of positives from the game, even though the result obviously leaves a very bitter taste. Today we fell victim to the brutal nature of sport,” said the 37 year old. Nouri had delivered the message in advance and stated that he “could see it had landed. The team showed in their performance that they want to fight and win every tackle. We got the fans back to our side. 

Werder were set to take points up until the last five minutes, when the visitors claimed an equaliser and a late winner. “The coach has given us courage and swung a lot of momentum our way. Unfortunately we lost our in the final four minutes, and that is difficult to take,” said a disappointed Zlatko Junzukovic after the game.

WERDER.DE caught up with the disheartened players and coach after the final whistle. 

On the pattern of the game:

Alexander Nouri: “The game covered the complete range of emotions. We had a massive opportunity to make it 2-0 in the second half, which would have been a great reward, instead we were punished for it. It was great from the lads, they played with passion for long periods and gave their all. We now have to take the positives from the match and refocus.”

Clemens Fritz: “We allowed ourselves to be pushed back in the second half. We did a lot better before the break. We stood strong for 85 minutes and didn’t let much through but we have to do it until the final whistle. It looked like we were sure to win for a long time, but you still have to make sure you win.”

Izet Hajrovic's strike wasn't enough to for Werder to get the win. (Photo: nordphoto).

Izet Hajrovic: “Everyone worked hard for each other and we played with passion with our fans behind us. It is a disappointing setback for us but nevertheless it was a good performance that we can build on.”

Zlatko Junuzovic: “Today’s game reflected out situation at the moment. We were unsure before the game, took the lead and then just wanted to defend the lead for the rest of the match. We can’t concede two goals in the final five minutes. We can definitely build on this display though as everyone was there for each other and covered for their team mates’ mistakes. We don’t have much time before the next game, so have to take the positives from today.”   

On Alexander Nouri's influence:

Florian Grillitsch: “He prepared us well and held quite a few conversations with us. I think that motivated us quite a bit. We also fine tuned a few tactical elements and today showed a different side to our game.”

Izet Hajrovic: “He convinced us all as a person. The individual conversations he held with the players gave each of courage and clear minds. He motivated us well, especially just before the game. It gave us all goosebumps. All of the players wanted to get out on to pitch at the point, give everything and bust a gut for the team.”

Clemens Fritz: “Alex had a lot of conversations with the players and set up us really well for the game today.”


Frank Baumann: “We know about Alex’s qualities. We were looking for a bit of impetus from him and we were able to see that on the pitch today.”

On the league table position:

Florian Grillitsch: “We obviously would have loved to have already picked up points. We are looking forwards and will do better against Wolfsburg at the weekend.”

Izet Hajrovic: “We can’t talk about everything being good when we are in this situation. Nevertherless, if we continue to perform like this the points will come.”

Frank Baumann: “It’s definitely massively frustrating when you aren’t rewarded for your efforts. It’s great that we put in a great performance but you also have to pick up points and that is what we will do.”

On Alexander Nouri being sent to the stands:

Wolfgang Stark sent Nouri to the stands in the 88th minute (photo: nordphoto).

Alexander Nouri: “Unfortunately, I can’t give you the exact reason. I really don’t know what the referee wanted to see there. I was just trying to gesture to the lads to motivate them one last time in the closing stages.”

Florian Grillitsch: “Balogun tried to shield the ball, fell over and tried to get a free-kick. He then clearly played the ball with his hand. The linesman didn’t see it and it obviously can wind you up.”

Frank Baumann: “This banishment was not fair. It’s a shame that he wasn’t able to be there to coach the boys from the edge of the pitch for the final stages.”  

 

(copy 7)

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