Previewing Sunday’s Bundesliga meeting with Hoffenheim

The boss’ thoughts: Florian Kohfeldt hasn’t got any concerns about his players’ mindset of late. “There’s the right amount of friction, in a positive sense. Every training session in the last couple of weeks has been excellent,” said the coach, praising the character his players have shown as they prepare to face Hoffenheim. “It’s an important game for us, also in context of the table,” noted Kohfeldt. After being solid at the back lately, it’s about producing more combination play. “We will need to be the more active side and dictate the play, but we also have to look to win the ball back quickly.” It won’t be an easy task against Sebastian Hoeneß’ Hoffenheim side though. “They have a lot of quality players in attack. Playing at Molde in the Europa League on Thursday won’t have an effect on their condition either. Hoffenheim will be fresh and rested. I’m not under any illusions about us having an advantage in that regard,” asserted Kohfeldt.

The last meeting: Maximilian Eggestein’s opener after five minutes in the match-up earlier this season remains Werder’s fastest goal of the campaign. After starting the attack himself, the midfielder met Theodor Gebre Selassie’s cross with his weaker left foot and picked out the bottom corner. The visitors soon responded though, with Dennis Geiger’s goal in the 22nd minute providing the final 1-1 scoreline.