The Schanzer’s recent performances haven’t been overlooked by Werder’s head coach. “Recently, you’ve been able to see the quality that they possess, especially given the strengthenings made to the squad over the winter.” However, the coach has a plan as he looks to claim his eighth consecutive win. “We had the aim of being more active in the final third and play out with a clear structure and we want to be better at recognising the moments where a long ball is a possibility and when a switch of play is the right option. That’s something that we could improve in comparison. That’s what we’ve worked on. Competitive improvement is the only way that leads to being a successful team,” said Werner.
The coach is also aware that the opposition have their league position in mind. “It’s a difference whether you’re in ninth or second place. The opposition’s approach changes. They play more defensively and the spaces they leave are smaller. Our pressing and defensive cover will play more of a role there. In the moments where you lose the ball and win it back, you get some space even against teams who are sitting deep. Creating scoring chances against a deep, compact opponent without leaving yourself exposed is one of the most difficult things in football.
Werner also reiterated that they shouldn’t be careless because of their starting position in the table. "Everyone must be aware that it is an unpleasant task. We have to prove that we are in the game mentally enough to be able to handle the task at hand," the head coach said, before concluding: "You have to go out and give everything you have week in, week out. It doesn't make a difference if you’re playing against a team in 18th or a team in third place, you have to carry out your task to 100 per cent on the pitch."
