Press conference ahead of the match away to VfL Bochum

While the Green-Whites endured an intense 90-minute battle with Darmstadt on Tuesday evening, Bochum were able to fully concentrate on their upcoming clash with SVW. However, Ole Werner does not see the packed schedule as a disadvantage going into the match this weekend. “It’s far from a disaster having to play a solitary midweek game,” explained the head coach. “We still have enough time to recuperate and prepare for the next match, so it won’t have any negative effect.”

There has been a new head coach in the VfL dugout for their last three matches, with Dieter Hecking managing to cut back on the number of goals Bochum have shipped. The side at the foot of the league standings have conceded more than any other side, although only four since Hecking took charge. “Hecking has Bochum set up the way we know he likes his teams to be,” observed Werner. “They have a good structure and are organised so that each player understands their individual role. That’s how Dieter Hecking likes to go about things.”

Nonetheless, Hecking’s side are going to need some points on the board and fast if they are to catch up with the teams above them and steer clear of the drop zone. Werner is therefore expecting his players to have a tricky time of it on Castroper Straße. “We’re going to need to buy into the opponent’s hectic style of play as well as the lively atmosphere in the stadium while still maintaining good spells of possession when we’re on top,” said the 36-year-old. “I’m expecting the hosts to come at us with everything they’ve got and I want us to demonstrate that same fight.”

????️ Ole Werner gives a squad update: Felix Agu is still dealing with an ankle ligament issue and won't play this weekend. Miloš Veljković is dealing with muscular problems, but could be back in time to play against Bochum. Everyone else is fit and available. #werder #bocsvw

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— SV Werder Bremen EN (@en.werder.de) 5 December 2024 at 11:27