Davy Klaassen is simply “happy that it’s over”. The Dutchman is referring to the pre-season period now that competitive matches are finally back on the agenda. On Saturday, 10th August 2019 at 20:45 CEST, the Green-Whites meet neighbours Atlas Delmenhorst in the DFB-Pokal. For Klaassen, Werder’s new vice-captain, the match is the first opportunity to take the next step with SVW, both individually and as a team.
After an eighth-place finish last season, there should be more to aim for in 2019/20. “We want to pick up from where we left off,” says Klaassen, who would like to avoid having a rough patch like the one last season. “Last year, I had a difficult period for one or two months. I don’t want to repeat that this season. I want to play better than last year throughout the entire campaign.”
The foundations have been laid already thanks to a good pre-season. “Right from day one this year, I have had the feeling that we have progressed from last year. A lot of things are already second nature to us and there haven’t been any major personnel changes,” Klaassen added to the comments of head coach Florian Kohfeldt. The team will also have an answer to the departure of maestro Max Kruse.
There are four days left until the first ball is kicked in a competitive match. For Klaassen, the duel with Atlas is less emotional than for the majority of fans in the region, but that doesn’t mean he’s any less fired up. “There will be a great atmosphere for us, but also for Atlas. This game is a win-win for both clubs,” says Klaassen before adding: “I hope it will be a great game.”
