Kevin Vogt believes that he and Werder are a “very good” match. The 28-year-old knows exactly what he’s been called in to do for the team in the second half of the season. Despite SVW’s position in the league table, Florian Kohfeldt’s men play brave football. “And I like brave football. It will pay off eventually,” says Vogt at his official unveiling in Bremen. After a phone call with Kohfeldt, it quickly became clear to the Witten-born defender that Werder and Vogt would work well together.
Courage and a willingness to take risks has always been the key to success in Vogt’s career. “That’s my philosophy, regardless of where my team is in the table,” says the former TSG captain, who can play at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder. Vogt is hoping that his attitude and optimism will spread through his new team. He wants his confidence, authenticity and professionalism to give his teammates a boost.
Vogt knows what he wants. He wants to play, ideally at the first opportunity on Saturday against Fortuna Düsseldorf, even though there are only two-and-a-half training sessions left with his new teammates before then. “I’m raring to go and fully fit. I know what’s expected and what’s important.” Vogt arrives fresh from Hoffenheim’s training camp. He did not want to say too much about his departure and the last few weeks of the Hinrunde. Just this: “I am grateful to those in charge for not blocking my path.”
Vogt knows what he’s capable of. He has made a total of 213 Bundesliga appearances and spent time at Augsburg, Köln and Hoffenheim. He was also captain at TSG. “My style of play is no secret. I play it out from the back with courage.” If a high-risk pass doesn’t come off, he would still try another one at the next opportunity. These are principles that he shares with Kohfeldt. “I like the way he thinks about football,” says Vogt. He also knows what it’s like to be in a relegation battle. After the first half of the 2012/13 season, FCA only had nine points to their name. By the end of the season, they were out of the relegation zone.
Vogt knows what needs to be done. Werder’s target in the second half of the season is all about staying in the Bundesliga and the new signing wants to give everything he can to help his side achieve this. “The team has real quality with lots of talented players. It’s clear that the confidence has taken a bit of a hit after the Hinrunde. It’s now important that we work together to get that self-belief back among the squad,” says Vogt. The centre half isn’t concerned by where he will be at the end of the season. “My full attention and focus is on Werder. Everything else is irrelevant.”
It is looking like Kevin Vogt will be a perfect fit here at Werder Bremen.
