Whilst Hamburger SV have been at a training camp in Barsinghausen in Lower Saxony, the Green-Whites have been preparing for the game at home in the Weser-Stadion. “Everyone knows what we’ve got coming up. We all need to be on our best form. It’s going to be a very emotional and explosive game,” confirms Philipp Bargfrede. He has played in the third-most Nordderby fixtures out of the current Werder squad, only Clemens Fritz (14) and Claudio Pizarro have played in more. Bargfrede has won the Nordderby six times with Werder Bremen. “Both teams are at the bottom of the table and need to win more points. We really need to get the three points on Saturday. We want to win the derby,” said Bargfrede.
For some of his team mates it will be their first experience of the Bremen and Hamburg derby, which is the case for Niklas Moisander. The Finn admitted that he “cannot wait” for the game. “I have of course heard so much about the duel. The Derby means a huge amount to both cities. Given the current situation of both sides, a win would be even more important. Whoever wins on Saturday will take a big step forward in terms of building confidence,” said Moisander.
What is certain, however, is that Werder will want to leave the Saturday’s game as winners after having lost their last two derbies. “We need to show more concentration than we have in the last few games and keep working hard,” demands Santiago García. Both defenders are expecting an intense game. “It will be a very tough match with lots of tackles flying in, just like in any other Derby,” according to Moisander. For Frank Baumann, it is important that the support from the fans remains peaceful. “On the pitch it will be a great contest and we are looking forward to the great, but also fair support from the terraces.”