No match has been played more times and barely any other fixture creates history more often. It is simply one of the most emotional and prestigious derbies in Europe...the Nordderby. Werder and HSV face each other for the 105th time in Bundesliga history this Saturday. The anticipation ahead of this legendary clash is building for all those involved, even with the current tricky situation for both sides. “We know that it will be a fierce and extremely tense Nordderby,” said Frank Baumann.
“This kind of match always has a special appeal. The team knows what is coming their way,” emphasised Hamburg’s coach Markus Gisdol on HSV.DE. The 47-year-old remains without a victory in six matches against Werder. For his counterpart, Alexander Nouri, it will be his first ever encounter with HSV. “You don’t need to say much to sum it up,” said Werder’s head coach immediately after the defeat against Frankfurt, well aware of the significance of Saturday’s match. As a player, Nouri came out on top in eight of his 13 clashes with HSV. He also beat no other club more often, nor did he score against any other side more times than HSV. Now the “huge” Nordderby awaits him.
Whilst Hamburger SV have been at a training camp in Barsinghausen in Lower Saxony, the Green-Whites have been preparing for the game at home in the Weser-Stadion. “Everyone knows what we’ve got coming up. We all need to be on our best form. It’s going to be a very emotional and explosive game,” confirms Philipp Bargfrede. He has played in the third-most Nordderby fixtures out of the current Werder squad, only Clemens Fritz (14) and Claudio Pizarro have played in more. Bargfrede has won the Nordderby six times with Werder Bremen. “Both teams are at the bottom of the table and need to win more points. We really need to get the three points on Saturday. We want to win the derby,” said Bargfrede.
For some of his team mates it will be their first experience of the Bremen and Hamburg derby, which is the case for Niklas Moisander. The Finn admitted that he “cannot wait” for the game. “I have of course heard so much about the duel. The Derby means a huge amount to both cities. Given the current situation of both sides, a win would be even more important. Whoever wins on Saturday will take a big step forward in terms of building confidence,” said Moisander.
What is certain, however, is that Werder will want to leave the Saturday’s game as winners after having lost their last two derbies. “We need to show more concentration than we have in the last few games and keep working hard,” demands Santiago García. Both defenders are expecting an intense game. “It will be a very tough match with lots of tackles flying in, just like in any other Derby,” according to Moisander. For Frank Baumann, it is important that the support from the fans remains peaceful. “On the pitch it will be a great contest and we are looking forward to the great, but also fair support from the terraces.”
