“Frank has more than fulfilled our expectations over the past two years. Together with the managing directors, he’s developed new structures that will further strengthen our core business of professional football. He’s developed the team along with his colleagues and he’s set high standards for their work. We’re happy that he’s going to continue this work and we’re convinced that this continuity in leadership will have a positive effect for Werder,” said Marco Bode, the club’s chairman. He also praised the way that Baumann comes across in public: “Despite his restrained, quiet nature, there’s no doubt that he’s here to achieve ambitious goals.”

The 42-year-old appreciated the kind words, but used the news of his contract extension to point out Werder’s upcoming challenges. “Over the past few years, we’ve started many projects and we want to continue with them to make them into a success. Our position in the Bundesliga, the renovation of our performance centre, the steady development of our youth, and the putting together of a competitive squad are just a few of the key items on our agenda. I’m thankful for the confidence and will continue the work with great anticipation. I’m convinced that we’re very well positioned structurally, in terms of personnel, and that we can achieve our goals.”

With the contract extension, Frank Baumann continues his impressive Werder career. The midfielder first arrived at the club in 1999 as a 23-year-old and played for Werder until he retired in 2009. He captained the side to the double in 2004 and the DFB-Pokal win in 2009, also playing in Europe with Werder for five seasons from 2004 onwards. He made the step up to the board in 2010, under then-sporting director Klaus Allofs. Among other things, he worked as director of football and scouting. After a one-year break, he returned to Werder as sporting director in May 2016.