Building a strong foundation

Hoffenheim match preview

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Maximilian Eggestein and Co. are looking to take one step closer to safety by taking all three points on Sunday (Photo: nordphoto).
preliminary report
Friday, 24.01.2020 / 17:16

The sound of the final whistle last weekend was music to many Werder fans’ ears. After a wild 96-minute relegation battle, the Green-Whites started the Rückrunde with a win and gave the fans something to cheer about. But, the team cannot afford to rest on their laurels just yet. Werder are looking to build on last weekend’s success with another win, this time against TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday, 26.01.2020 (15:30 CET). In the end, a win only means three points, which is why taking “the first step” was a common topic during the last few weeks. Only time will tell if Werder will be able to pick up another win against Hoffenheim. In any case, Florian Kohfeldt knows to proceed with caution: “We know how dangerous and unstable our current situation is.” A win on Sunday would provide further solid ground for Werder’s hopes of staying up.

The squad: After suffering a concussion in the match against Fortuna Düsseldorf, Kevin Vogt could make his comeback earlier than expected. After undergoing, and passing, several tests this week, Vogt will have to wait until after Saturday’s final training session to see if he will be part of the matchday squad. After recovering from injury, Fin Bartels will definitely be part of the squad and “could play 30 minutes,” Kohfeldt confirmed during a pre-match press conference. Otherwise, everyone who featured against Düsseldorf is fit to play against TSG.

Kohfeldt: Staying vigilant

Florian Kohfeldt and Tim Borowski have analysed the current situation following last weekend's win (Photo: nordphoto).

The head coach on the match: The 1-0 win against Düsseldorf satisfied Werder’s immediate desire for three points, while also ending a four-game losing run and handing Werder their first clean sheet of the season. Despite the excitement surrounding the triumph, the win was still only worth three points – something that head coach Florian Kohfeldt does not want to under- or overstate. “The tension is still there,” said Kohfeldt. “We have proof now that we are able to win games.” The team are not satisfied yet, and will have to build on their performance this weekend. Düsseldorf were a step in the right direction, especially in terms of the team’s mentality, but Werder still find themselves at the bottom of the table. “We know how dangerous and unstable our current situation is,” Kohfeldt said.

Quick counter-attacks are Hoffenheim’s weakness

Yuya Osako scored the equaliser against Hoffenheim on Matchday 2 (Photo: nordphoto).

The last meeting: Werder were handed their second defeat of 2019/20 in an extremely unlucky match. Not only did Werder have to deal with a red card and a disallowed goal against Hoffenheim, but Florian Kohfeldt’s side also conceded a last-minute winner. Overall, the day had started on the right foot for Werder. Niclas Füllkrug scored the opener before the break, but the Green-Whites then conceded twice before Yuya Osako threw them a lifeline in the 81st minute. But, Pavel Kaderabek struck the decisive blow just minutes before the final whistle. In any case, the guests should not be expecting an easy night under the floodlights in Bremen.

It’s all about the pace: Hoffenheim have already proven several times this season why they’re still in the running for the European places after 18 matchdays. However, the Kraichgau side have also demonstrated one weakness: their defending on the counter. Head coach Alfred Schreuder’s side have conceded nearly a third of their goals this season via counter-attacks. The strategy for the weekend reads: don’t wait too long and get the ball up front quickly!

The officials: Martin Petersen from Filderstadt will take charge of the match. The 34-year-old will be accompanied on the sidelines by Alexander Sather and Robert Wessel. The fourth official will be Johann Pfeifer, and Benjamin Brand and Jan Seidel will be on duty as the video assistant referees.

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