Press conference prior to the home fixture against Hoffenheim

The Green-Whites used the time wisely over the short week of training to analyse their performance from the 4-2 defeat against SV Darmstadt 98. “When we play away, we find it difficult to come back from our mistakes, but the support from the home crowd in the last two fixtures seemed to always get us through,” Werner explained. “We need to react well to adversity and uphold our high standards for communication and discipline, irrespective of the scoreline.”

The home fans are planning to hold a fan march prior to the game, which will certainly create a special atmosphere around the stadium. The Green-Whites are aiming to use the energy from the crowd and their home advantage to once again deliver a strong performance. “We’re aware of how important our fans are to us, and we certainly don’t take them for granted,” Fritz added. “It’s obviously now our responsibility to repay them for the support. It would be fantastic if we’re able to say at the end of the season that we performed well in all of our home fixtures.”

On the other hand, Hoffenheim will come to the Weser with a recent record of three successive away wins, so everyone at the club knows that they have a very challenging task in store. “It’s always good to be aware of the opponent’s strengths – physicality, calmness and high individual quality in every position,” shared coach Werner. “Every opponent gives you something that you can exploit. Above all though, it’s important that we concentrate on our own performance, play our best-possible game, and then we can get something out of it.”

????️ Ole Werner on the squad:

"Olivier Deman is still ill and couldn't train this week, so we're still unsure about him. Niklas Stark probably also won't be involved, as he had to sit out of parts of the session. Everyone else trained fully today."#werder#svwtsgpic.twitter.com/98e3cnoUOp

— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) October 5, 2023