When SV Werder Bremen take on FC Bayern München at the Allianz Arena on Sunday afternoon, it’s sure to be a special game. Not only will the match mark the 114th time that the sides have met in the Bundesliga, but it will also a significant game for one of Ole Werner’s key men, as Michael Zetterer returns to his hometown for the first time since solidifying his position as the Green-Whites’ starting goalkeeper.
Zetterer, who has been a Green-white since 2015, regularly travels to Munich to visit his family and friends. “Being in the place where you grew up always feels like coming home,” said the 28-year-old.
That’s why the game at the weekend will be a “small” homecoming for Werder’s man between the posts, and not just to Munich, but also the Allianz Arena. “It’s one of the first stadiums I went to,” admitted Zetterer, remembering his childhood trips to the home of FC Bayern. “When you’re there to watch the game, you imagine how crazy it must be to be down on the pitch, especially when it’s sold out.”
Werder’s number 30 finds hard to believe that he’ll be doing exactly that on Sunday. “When I was little, I used to go to the Allianz Arena with my dad. Now, I’ve got the chance to play there with him watching on from the stands. It’s crazy to think about and it’ll be a really special moment for me.”
A number of Zetterer’s friends and family members will join his father in cheering the goalkeeper on from the stands. “I managed to get tickets for some of my closest friends, but it felt as though I should’ve got 50,” laughed SVW’s goalie. The 28-year-old is looking to bring some points back to Bremen on Sunday, partially because of this support.
He is well aware that playing against FC Bayern’s star-studded line-up isn’t going to be easy. “Obviously, we’re going to need to put in a special performance to get some points, but we’re more than capable of doing that. We’ve already shown that we can do it against some seriously good teams this season. If we play to the best of our ability, we can beat anyone.”
According to Zetterer, “keeping things tight at the back” and “playing with passion” will be crucial to Werder’s chances on Sunday. “Everyone’s got to give it their all.” Zetterer is sure to do just that, as he has a personal target for his debut at the Allianz Arena. “Keeping a clean sheet in Munich, that’s the main aim.”
