“We’ve strengthened as a team”

2024 in review with Marco Friedl

Marco Friedl in the players' tunnel wearing the Werder Christmas kit
Marco Friedl is currently in his eighth season with SV Werder (Photo: W.DE).
First Team
Tuesday, 31.12.2024 / 10:00

There can be many highs and lows within the span of a year, and that statement is no different for the life of a professional footballer. Werder captain Marco Friedl remains focused above all on the positives, since 2024 was overall a good year for both SV Werder and the 26-year-old Austrian. The centre-back spoke to WERDER.DE about the past year and specifically the 1-0 win in Munich, having to watch from the stands for the wild 4-3 comeback win against Hoffenheim and regarding his new role as a father, among other things.

Marco Friedl congratulates Mitchell Weiser on his goal in Munich 2024
The 1-0 victory in January 2024 was Marco Friedl’s first with Werder in München in Munich (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: Hi, Marco! Why don’t we start with you telling us your top three Werder highlights of the past year?

Marco Friedl: Our final home game of last season against Bochum (4-1) has got to be in there for the good win but also because I scored as well (laughs). Then definitely the 1-0 victory in Munich. The longer I think about it, though, there are so many great games and moments that come to mind. However, I’ll add the 4-2 win in Wolfsburg, where we were also really strong away from home.

WERDER.DE: We’ll go chronologically and start with that 1-0 win at Bayern München, which was Werder’s first win away to the record champions in over 15 years. You came through the youth ranks in Munich and also made your professional debut for them. As an ex-Bayern player, did that add some further satisfaction to the victory?

Marco Friedl: I wouldn’t say satisfaction, no, but it was very cool. Beating Bayern is far from a regularity – we were simply outstanding on the day and everything just came together. We hadn’t really shown up in a few of the games there in the past, so the win was very special for the whole team and for me personally as well, of course, what with my Bayern past.

WERDER.DE: Was there a specific point during the game at which you thought ‘yes, we can definitely take something home from Munich today’?

Marco Friedl: Yes, in fact that came at the very beginning of the game. We had a great balance. We won our duels, remained compact as a team and kept getting forward ourselves. I had the feeling that something was possible. But of course, Bayern always posed a threat and sometimes it only takes one moment for them to turn the game completely in their favour. But on the day, I and we, the team, had a good feeling and fortunately we can sit here afterwards and say that we were finally rewarded for a good performance in Munich.

"Something really quite special"

Choreo for the 125 year anniversary inside the Weserstadion
For the match against Heidenheim, a breathtaking choreo was displayed in celebration of the club’s 125-year anniversary (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: Another notable moment arrived just a few weeks later with the 125th anniversary of SV Werder Bremen and the breathtaking choreography inside the Weserstadion for the home game against 1. FC Heidenheim. Even though the game ended in a 2-1 defeat, how did you as captain perceive the atmosphere and the backdrop?

Marco Friedl: Unfortunately, the match itself was anything but positive. Naturally, we wanted to round off a great day with a win, but we didn’t manage to do that and as a result, our mood was a little subdued. We were aware of the game’s significance beforehand and then the choreography displayed during the game, which was something really quite special, deserved more than what we were able to deliver over the 90 minutes.

WERDER.DE: Nevertheless, the second half of last season went very well. You already mentioned the 4-1 home win against VfL Bochum on the last matchday, when qualification for European competition was still on the cards. As a player, is it possible to realise the shifting circumstances surrounding a match like that during proceedings?

Marco Friedl: Yes, on the last matchday, you do get a sense for what’s happening around the grounds. We were able to play freely, though, and the pressure was more on Bochum because they were trying to avoid the relegation play-off. We had the chances to score seven or eight goals, but only went into half-time 1-0 up. We wanted to press on and did so with two quick goals. But that last matchday wasn’t the reason that we weren’t able to secure eighth place, rather that was a result of the season on the whole.

WERDER.DE: Despite having a good season with Werder, you unfortunately missed out on Austria’s squad for the European Championship. Looking back, how did you deal with the disappointment, and did it give you an extra boost for the start of the new season in Bremen?

Marco Friedl: No, because I only try to influence what I can and that is to perform for Werder at the weekends. It wasn’t the first time that I was left out, so I know how to deal with it. However, it’s always a nice feeling to be selected so that’s what I am working to achieve. That’s all I can do. Everything else is out of my control.

WERDER.DE: Let’s jump forward now to the current season, where it feels like the team have picked up from where you left off with the momentum of the second half of the previous campaign. As captain, how do you see the team developing this year?

Marco Friedl: We’ve strengthened as a team. We have become more compact on the whole and also have more options on the ball. That’s exactly what we’ve been working on in training. The squad is pretty much the same apart from a few new additions. Keeping a consistent core group of players means that you have a foundation to build from, which also has a noticeable effect on development. Furthermore, working with the same coaching staff for the past few years as they’ve continued to develop is proving effective.

WERDER.DE: You have also developed personally and are now in your eighth season with Werder and third as captain. Is this now the best version of Marco Friedl that we’ve ever seen?

Marco Friedl: I would say that there is very much still room for improvement (laughs). I’m reaching the prime age for a footballer now so I’m at my peak physically. I’m free of any aches and pains these days so I feel really good. That’s essential in order to be able to give your all in training. However, I also know that I’m not at the end of my development yet.

Marco Friedl celebrate during the home game against Union Berlin
Marco Friedl has featured 13 times in the league so far this season (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: So far this season, you have only missed two matches, against Bayern (0-5) and TSG Hoffenheim (4-3) due to suspension. Honestly, what was it like being restricted to watching the game against Hoffenheim from your sofa?

Marco Friedl: I watched the game at home, although I did want to switch the TV off after about 15 minutes (laughs). It’s often tough, having to watch your team play, whether on the TV or in the ground and knowing you can’t do anything to help. The next 75 minutes against Hoffenheim were obviously outstanding and even if we did need a certain amount of luck, that game that will be remembered for years to come.

WERDER.DE: You’re not only going strong in the Bundesliga, but also in the DFB-Pokal, with Arminia Bielefeld awaiting us in the quarter-finals.

Marco Friedl: It’s great to still be in the cup. In the past, we’ve often gone out in the first or second round. We know what Arminia can do, especially at home and they’ve already proved that twice in the cup this season. Despite that, we are dead set on winning and reaching the semi-finals. Then, we would only be one game away from the final in Berlin.

WERDER.DE: The responsibility you have on the pitch as captain is something that has been added to in your private life this year as well with the birth of your son, undoubtedly your personal highlight of 2024.

Marco Friedl: Absolutely. We are so, so happy. It was a big change at first because your whole life suddenly becomes very different and you gain a lot of responsibility. You learn as you go, though, which is something that my girlfriend is excellent at. It has really enriched our lives.

WERDER.DE: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Marco. All the best for the new year!

 

Latest News

Ole Werner in his press conference.

"A very successful afternoon’s work"
29.03.2025 / First Team
The team celebrate.

Two picture-perfect strikes pave the way to vict ...
29.03.2025 / Match Report
Jens Stage taking a shot against Kiel earlier this season.

Feeling recharged ahead of trip to Kiel
28.03.2025 / preliminary report
Werder head coach Ole Werner during the pre-match press conference.

"There was plenty of energy in training"
27.03.2025 / First Team
Mio Backhaus wearing a Germany kit.

Backhaus enjoys elite league success as Kaboré r ...
25.03.2025 / First Team
Your web browser ist outdated.
The web browser you are using is no longer supported.
Please download one of these free and up to date browsers.
Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge
Chrome Firefox Edge
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
MS Edge
Why should I use an up to date web browser?
Security
Newer web browsers provide better protection against malware, data theft and other threats to your privacy and security. Up to date browsers continuously close security holes that allow attackers to enter your computer.
New Technologies
The technologies used on modern websites are better supported by newer web browsers. This both increases functionality and improves the website layout. By benefiting from new functions and extensions you will be able to surf the web faster and easier.