With Werder, Davie Selke made the step up to the Bundesliga. Between 2013 and 2015, the centre-forward scored nine goals in 33 league appearances for the Green and Whites. In the summer of 2015, he switched to the then second division side RB Leipzig. On Saturday, the U21 Germany international is set to return to return to the Weser Stadium for the first time in nearly two years. This time, though, his side sit second in the Bundesliga.
WERDER.DE spoke to Selke on the telephone in order to gather a few memories, talk about the current situation and preview the match between Werder and Leipzig.
WERDER.DE: Hello Davie, on Saturday you’ll be back at the Weser Stadium. What sort of feelings do you have ahead of your return?
Davie Selke: I can’t wait. There’s a lot of anticipation. I have positive memories of the Weser Stadium and am looking forward to going back there on Saturday.
WERDER.DE: At the time, you made the step up to the Bundesliga with Werder. What memories do you have of your time at the Weser Stadium?
Davie Selke: I only have positive memories of Werder and although I’ve been away for almost two years now, I still keep in touch with the club and regularly follow Werder. I met some great people there. Even when we under pressure at the foot of the table, we still had good parties and celebrations. The home games against Leverkusen and Dortmund stick out in my mind. It was a super period.
WERDER.DE: What sort of feelings do you have going into the game against your old club?
Davie Selke: I’m really looking forward to this meeting! It’ll be my first time as an opponent in the Weser Stadium and I’m very excited. It’s a mix of massive anticipation and positive tension.
WERDER.DE: Are there any ex-colleagues who you still keep close contact with?
Davie Selke: I have the most regular contact with Florian Grillitsch, but sometimes also with Clemens and Zladdi. They spoke to me a lot when I was there and gave me a lot of tips. I’m really looking forward to seeing the boys again, I could list them all – from Holger Berger to kit man to the physiotherapists.
WERDER.DE: Werder have again been battling relegation this season. How do you see their situation at the moment and what do you wish for your former club?
Davie Selke: I watched the last game and could see positive development. The boys played very well and gained some important points. Of course, there are many difficult games to come, but, as I and the fans know, home advantage will be crucial like it was at the end of last season. If the fans continue to support the club, then I have no worries.
WERDER.DE: There’s a furore around your club at the moment. After 24 matchdays your second in the table. What makes you so strong?
Davie Selke: The team spirit and togetherness in our team. Every player gives their all, we have an intense training week and we prepare very well for our opponent and we have a clear plan when we go into the game. The mix of teamwork and individual quality makes us strong.
WERDER.DE: For you personally it’s not going exactly as you would’ve liked. How happy are you with your situation?
Davie Selke: For me at the moment it’s definitely the most difficult time. It’s not easy, but I’m still an option. I have to keep going and hope that I can change the situation through hard work.
WERDER.DE: Do yout think the trainer will take into account the fact that the game is against your former club?
Davie Selke: I’d be lying if I said it isn’t a factor. It’s a very special match for me in a very special place. And yes there are famous fairytales in football. I’d be very happy to get game time in Bremen, whether it be from the start or as a substitute.
WERDER.DE: Finally, I’d like to know what sort of game you’re expecting on Saturday?
Davie Selke: I’m expecting a very difficult away game. I’m familiar with the Weser Stadium and know that it can be an absolute cauldron. The atmosphere will be super, but unfortunately it’ll be my first time there as an away player. We need to be up for it from the first minute and concentrating fully. I’m expecting an interesting match.
