When Ömer Toprak talks about his new coach, the 31-year-old refers to him as “Mr. Schaaf.” As Thomas Schaaf comes from a different generation to Toprak, he feels it’s only right to remain completely formal with him. “He has achieved so much as a coach and is famous in German football. He’s a coaching legend,” said Toprak.
Schaaf has been working with the side for three days in the quarantine training camp in Barsinghausen. According to Toprak, he has a clear plan: “He has a clear idea, which he tells us during video meetings and training sessions. He gives clear instructions and knows exactly what he wants,” reported the defender. On the training ground, Schaaf is said to give “clear orders” and shows his players exactly what he wants to see from them. Aside from shooting training and various other drills, Toprak has also noticed that the players “have started to enjoy things a bit more again.”
One of the biggest issues is confidence. The coach has been able to give the side a boost with his experience and honesty. “He wants to restore some confidence in us after this bad run so that we believe we can do things better,” revealed Toprak. On Saturday, Werder have their most important game of the season at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach (15:30 CEST). “It’s a really important game for the whole club. All the players know that,” said Toprak, who is hopeful he can feature at the weekend. “I’m doing well and I’m ready, although in this situation it’s not about me and whether or not I’m fit to play.”
The focus is all currently on the side’s own performance. For Toprak, reflecting on a change of coach, looking at other results involving teams down there or hoping of reaching the relegation play-off are all not important right now. “When the coach is changed, you know as a player that you have made many mistakes. We simply didn’t perform in recent weeks. However, now is not the time to dwell on that. Our only focus can be on Saturday so that we can be successful in that game.”
