After the opening loss against FC Bayern, SC Freiburg awaits as the next challenging task for the Green-Whites. The schedule for the start of the Bundesliga is certainly far from easy for Werder, however their aim will obviously be to pick up points. Ole Werner and Clemens Fritz answered questions from the journalists at the press conference before the away game.
With losses in both the cup and the league, SVW have not had the start to the season that they had hoped for. Still, according to Fritz, the defeat against the record champions should not be viewed with too much concern: “Bayern are not necessarily the benchmark against which we should measure ourselves. There are huge financial differences. We can put the defeat into perspective, but, of course, we're self-critical and are analysing our mistakes. We knew that we had a demanding schedule, but we won’t get nervous whatsoever. We just prepare for each game as it comes.”
The team’s main focus this week is on preparing for their upcoming away fixture against Freiburg, who could prove to be a difficult opponent for SV Werder. Their coach Christian Streich opted for many of his regular starters in their season opener against TSG Hoffenheim and stuck to his normal tactics from last season. Werner explained: “Freiburg are a team who use their physicality well, are dangerous from set pieces and they get shots off on goal. They will cover lots of ground on the day and are able to come up with new ideas for dead-ball situations.”
For this reason, Freiburg won’t be an easy opponent for the Green-Whites, as Fritz is fully aware: “Freiburg are just as difficult a team to come up against as Bayern – they’re a strong side who play consistently good football every season, so of course it will be a challenge. It’s nevertheless essential that we go there and take something from the game.” Werder’s head coach has prepared the boys for the upcoming fixture and comprised a solid game plan: “This match will be both physically and psychologically demanding, so I’m hoping for a good performance from the team. But that alone isn’t enough, instead it’s up to us to put in the work and take home the three points we deserve.”
