The Werder players were relieved and ecstatic as Max Kruse’s winning penalty sent them through to the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals at the expense of Borussia Dortmund. However, there were also some unwanted side-effects that came with the tiring victory on Tuesday night.
Several Werder players were suffering from cramp and exhaustion by the end of extra time in Dortmund. However, their performances were rewarded with a victory on penalties and a place in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals.
Werder head coach Florian Kohfeldt, who helped to mastermind the victory in Dortmund, knows how the tiring the evening was both physically and mentally. “I wouldn’t underestimate how long the body needs to recover from such an exhausting evening. Consequently, we are pleased we had a day off yesterday to recuperate.” However, the efforts on Tuesday should not impact preparations for Sunday’s home match against FC Augsburg (15:30 CET). “We are professional footballers and we have been able to enjoy the last couple of days.” The players are training at full intensity once more today both on and off the pitch.
The Green-Whites will aim to secure all three points on Sunday as they look to rise up the Bundesliga table towards the European places. Kohfeldt had the following words to say regarding the importance of the match against Augsburg: “Everything is clear to us. A victory on Sunday will see us close the gap on the European places.” Both physically and mentally, the Green-Whites need to have fully recovered for the match. Then, in front of a home crowd, they can go in search of all three points.
