Six goals, six goalscorers and Werder are safely through to the second round of the DFB-Pokal. The Green-Whites were on top from the first whistle, with Yuya Osako scoring the first of five Werder goals before half time. The pick of the bunch came from Florian Kainz. However, the team can’t get carried away, with their Bundesliga season kicking off next Saturday against Hannover 96.
Florian Kohfeldt: “It was a very serious and commanding showing from us. We played with a good tempo and we kept going for the whole 90 minutes. We spoke a lot about intensity, and that was there throughout. I want to compliment the older players, who pointed out during the week that coming here would not be like a normal game. I especially liked our shape and pressing today. We kept creating chances and we were very focussed. However, we were playing against a fourth division side, with all due respect. Now we have to make sure that we’re ready for Hannover.”
Max Kruse: “It was good for the first game of the season. We showed from the first minute that we wanted to win and avoid any potential upset. Pre-season seemed to go on forever, so we were all looking forward to the game. We all wanted to win the game and get into the next round.”
Davy Klaassen: “It was important that we got on the front foot early on and got a few goals. That settled us down and made the game easier for us. At the end of the day we played against a fourth division side, but it was a decent win. I didn’t score today, but that’s not so important – the important thing is that we won.”
Florian Kainz: “We were dominant and took the game by the scruff of the neck, especially in the first half. The new signings have settled in really well. Yuya Osako is a monster in the air for us.”
Maximilian Eggestein: “Worms had the first chance, so we needed to take more care in that respect. However, our early goal was more important and opened up the game, it was easier afterwards. We played some good football.
Florian Kohfeldt: “Today’s game, and I say this with complete respect for Worms, wasn’t a good indicator for the season to come. We’re all now looking forward to life back at the Weser-Stadion next Saturday. That’s when the season really kicks off.”
Max Kruse: “We’re delighted that we’ve progressed to the next round and certainly looking forward to the next Pokal tie. However, now the focus is on the Hannover 96 game. Today wasn’t a level playing field; of course we want to go far in the Pokal, but we can’t linger too long over the victory. Next weekend will be the real tough test as the Bundesliga gets underway.”
Florian Kainz: “It was a very long preseason. We’ve been looking forward to cracking on with the season for a while now. We’ll build on our victory today and concentrate on the Bundesliga clash with Hannover 96.”
Maximilian Eggestein: “Even though we played really well today, the Bundesliga’s the real test. Next weekend, we need to raise our game even further.”
Florian Kainz: “I’m absolutely delighted with my goal. I chopped inside and struck it with my left foot. I didn’t expect to hit the ball so well, but it just flew perfectly. In any case, I’m happier about the result than anything else.”
Max Kruse: “We had a host of goalscorers today. But Florian Kainz’s effort was the goal of the day. Good on you, Kainzi!”
Florian Kohfeldt: “Kainzi had a really tidy game and capped it all off with a sensational goal. The other goals were top-notch, too. Philipp Bargfrede’s was the goal of the game for me, because it’ll probably be the only one we get from him (laughs).”
Davy Klaassen: “It was a top shot from Kainzi. He struck it perfectly. I’m really glad for him.”
Florian Kohfeldt: “I’m absolutely certain that the foul on Ole was an accident, but I’m gutted he’s injured. I can’t really say any more on the details, I’m just distraught for the lad, because he’s had a really good preseason. I certainly hope it’s not too serious but if it is, we’ll always be there to support him. Ole will pick himself back up again, come back stronger and show everyone his quality.
