It’s time for matchday 3 of the new Bundesliga season after the first international break of the campaign. SV Werder Bremen are away to 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday, 15th September at 17:30 CEST. Head coach Ole Werner answered questions from the media on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.
The head coach generally doesn’t ask the questions at press conferences, however Ole Werner had one ready for the media on Thursday afternoon, asking them which team last won away against 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga. The press knew the answer, of course: Werder Bremen.
Werder’s 1-0 win at the MEWA ARENA on 3rd February 2024 remains the last time the 05ers lost at home in the league. Nevertheless, the SVW head coach was quick to point out the changes in Mainz since then, with a number of comings and goings and a different coach in charge in Bo Henriksen. “A few things have happened since then in Mainz. Two teams that are on long unbeaten runs will now come up against each other. There have been a lot of changes within the Mainz squad. But, their style of play hasn't changed much compared to last season. The quality they have on the pitch is still there. We will need to play at a high intensity. We will take the positives from the Dortmund game.”
After two draws to start the season, Niklas Stark & Co. “want to win now.” Werner believes his players need to be more clinical if they want to earn all three points in Mainz. “We’ve generally not had any difficulties in getting the ball into the final third, we rank pretty well across the division when it comes to that. However, we need to be more effective, both with our passing and chances,” demanded Werner.
????️ Werner on the opponent:
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) September 13, 2024
"There have been a lot of changes within the Mainz squad. But, their style of play hasn't changed much compared to last season. In particular, the intensity and quality in the way they play is what defines them." #werder#m05svwpic.twitter.com/XNyZhB7Oiq
Deadline day signing Derrick Köhn, who impressed with an assist in the friendly against Preußen Münster during the international break, is an option for the squad, as is Amos Pieper, who played 45 minutes in that game following his return from injury. Keke Topp, who left international duty with Germany U21s early due to a foot problem, is also available. “Keke is fit and has been able to train normally. Amos is also a possibility for the squad, which makes life a lot easier for us,” added Werner. Milos Veljkovic and Oliver Burke will not make the trip down south.
The SVW head coach is “looking to take the positives from the three competitive games so far this season”, as Werder look to win once again in Mainz this year.
