Ishak Belfodil took advantage of his chance in Saturday's game vs. Mainz

Just 17 minutes into his first appearance in the starting XI for over a month, SVW’s number 29’s looping header found the back of the net. “It was a fantastic feeling, but I’m a team player and what’s important is that we win as a team. We didn’t do that today. My next goal should help us to all three points.” In the celebration following his goal, the striker ran towards the bench to French-speaking teammate Lamine Sané, who has been an important figure for him since joining Werder. “He has helped me a lot to settle in here. We get along and I wanted to show him how thankful I am for our friendship.”

Whether the goal-scorer makes the Green-White starting XI for Wednesday’s DFB Pokal game, depends on Max Kruse’s current injury. “We’re a team with a lot of good players, I have to accept that.” But hope for a second-consecutive start is there thanks to his performance against Mainz. “Without a doubt, Ishak took advantage of his start today. He played a very good game,” praised head coach Florian kohfeldt – something that will please the Algerian, despite the disappointing ending to Saturday evening.