It could be the last time that Frank Baumann travels with the Werder professionals to a training camp. That would be the case should he decide not to extend his contract which expires this summer. But he is still in the middle of the decision process. But 15 appearances and one goal in the first half speak volumes.

The 33-year-old is still too valuable for the team to just let him retire. His calmness and experience can really help the team now as it looks for order on the pitch and discipline off it.

"We have to play tighter as a team and that is being emphasised here in training," said Baumann, who helps bring patience to the team's surroundings. "We are in the process of improving ourselves. We are on our way. But that will not happen overnight. Still, I am convinced that we will have an excellent second half. We will just have to wait and see where we end up in the standings."

An additional reason why Frank Baumann is considering ending his career is fitness. The 33-year-old, who has captained the team since 2000, has been spared from major injuries and said: "I feel physically very good." The midfielder also grins when adding: "I am taking care of my 'old bones' and have absolutely no problems. We have a lot of young players and they are also not complaining about the program."