Milos Veljkovic was one of few Werder players not to make their Nordderby debut on the weekend, but Saturday’s game against Hamburger SV was a first for the defender. After Christian Groß’s red card, Veljkovic took the armband for the first time. “It was a big honour for me to be able to wear the captain’s band,” said Veljkovic, who is taking on increased responsibility in the team. “I have to carry on performing well to be able to lead the team in moments like those.”
At 25 years of age, the Serbia international is only slightly above the squad’s average age of 24.7, but is one of the team’s more experienced heads given his footballing career. “I try to help the younger players and take on responsibility. When I look around, I notice that the younger players come to me.” It’s a development and a breakthrough that the defender says is “a good and positive thing”.
Due to the recent unavailability of Chrstiian Groß and Ömer Toprak, there has been discussion on who will occupy the number six role in midfield. Veljkovic opened up on the issue. “We’re definitely set up well. Lasse Mai and Marco Friedl are capable of taking it on. Of course, if the head coach says I should play there, I’ll do it. Ilia Gruev did it well in Hamburg, and Manuel Mbom or Nicolai Rapp could also play there. We have a few players that can be used here.”
Looking ahead to the Sunday’s game away to Dynamo Dresden, (kick off 13:30 CEST), the 25-year-old is anticipating a “fiery atmosphere” and a “difficult game” at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. Despite the derby loss, there should be no reason to shy away, said Veljkovic. “I’m optimistic that we will come away with the win. It won’t be an easy task, but we can go into the game with confidence.” Werder’s defender rounded off: “I have a lot to thank this clubs for and I’m really happy here. I always give 100 percent and that’s exactly what I’ll do against Dresden.”
