“A decision of this magnitude must be extremely well thought out and handled with the utmost care. It cannot simply by decided three days before we’re due to restart,” Bode explained. “Every possible scenario must be review, and all advantages and disadvantages weighed up. From our point of view, this hasn’t happen, so we have decided against voting on the motion submitted at the general meeting on Thursday,” Bode continued. The fact that the proposal presented by the DFL presidium has only now been put to vote, was branded as “very unfortunate” by the SVW’s honorary captain. Due in large part to the many weeks, in which such a proposal might have been discussed.
Werder’s chairman of the board advocates that such a decision should only be made once the cancellation of a season has been definitely determined, taking into account the respective reasons for the season’s end. “There are many cause for a season to be cancelled, that could be the outbreak of a virus, political circumstances or even concrete misconduct of certain parties.”
Bode considers it “inappropriate” to accuse lower-table clubs, such a Werder or Paderborn, of trying to will themselves into Bundesliga survival by stopping the season. Following this logic, many more teams would have an incentive for the season to be ended. Finally, the proposed regulations would also interfere at the top of the table, both in the title race and the fight for European football. Bode believes it’s important to emphasise that this type of thinking is “not to be adopted”.
Meanwhile, there was no official vote on the DFL’s proposal during the meeting. Bode made it clear that only a further course of action was discussed at the digital meeting on Wednesday. There were some vastly different opinions on how to proceed should the worst-case scenario, termination of the season, come to pass. The discussion was conducted “across the league”, and Bode reported that “there are also top clubs, who share our opinion.”
The 50-year-old made it clear that the common goal must be the continued integrity of the competition. “Werder Bremen have no dream scenario. Our interest us to survive on the pitch and remain in the Bundesliga. If the worst-case does happen, then all conceivable options must be explored.” In addition to the evaluation of current standings, both at the top and bottom of the table, a potential increase in the number of clubs or the total annulment of the season has been discussed. “All these solutions must be evaluated in terms of the sport, and also the legal side of things. We want it to be decided on the pitch.”
