Because this high level of discipline required defensive work from all eleven players on the pitch, it was hard to find a way to goal. In the end, it was the final pass that prevented a good result against last season’s runners-up. In the upcoming home game against 1. FC Union Berlin, the Green-Whites face a different opponent whose defensive line will allow them to get closer to the danger zone. “After the last few years, we know how they play,” says Veljkovic. “They are a top team who defend compactly and aggressively and look to play on the counterattack. It’ll therefore be a difficult game for us, in which we’ll give everything to win.”
The Serb knows what it’ll come down to. He is now one of the longest-serving Werder players, and always helps new signings and young players to settle in at the Weser. As the Basel-born defender speaks German, Serbian, English and French, he can be a great source of assistance for players who do not speak German but also want to spend time with their teammates off the pitch. “It’s very important for the chemistry in the team and I see myself as having a level of responsibility for it,” explains Veljkovic. “I want to make it as easy for them as possible.” This good chemistry at SVW was noticeable in Dortmund, and the same spirit will be needed against Union.
