The infamous Nordderby: “The atmosphere in the city is rising. I just can’t wait for the whistle to go on Saturday night, I think it will be a great game,” explained head coach Florian Kohfeldt. For Kohfeldt, the atmosphere around the city and the build-up before the game are real highlights, “In the days before the game, you can tell it's no ordinary game. I’m looking forward to having that feeling around the stadium and hearing the fans,” said Kohfeldt. “However I want the atmosphere to be in good spirit. Of course there is a rivalry between the two clubs but it is and will remain a sporting rivalry,” explained Kohfeldt clearly. Centre-back Milos Veljkovic also mentioned the different feel the city has on the way in to a Nordderby, “Even when you go out to eat, people come and wish you good luck. You realise how excited everyone is.”
Florian Kohfeldt on the game: “All games are important at this point in the season, however, given the position of the teams in the Bundesliga, this specific game is just that little bit more important.” A home win is the only result that would do for Kohfeldt. “We have a plan that we want to implement from the very first minute. I think that we will find ourselves with a lot of possession, so we want to put HSV under pressure and force the mistake,” explained Kohfeldt, who also recognises the qualities of the upcoming opponents, “Players like Kostic and Wood bring a high-tempo to HSV’s attack, making them all the more dangerous on the counter. We have to be wary of that. Aron Hunt offers his creativity; he can create and he can score,” said the coach guardedly. Above all, the Werder coach is expecting an intense game, “Both teams will be aggressive from the off. We should prepare for a tough battle out there."
