First match ticked off! During the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, Nicolai Rapp played his first game in a Werder shirt, having previously missed out on the first games of the season through an adductor issue. He commented during Wednesday’s press conference: “It’s important to me that I get fit and stay fit. I have recovered well from my adductor problem and can take part in team training once again. I am ready to prove my ability through my performances.”
The Heidelberg-born player was quickly into the thick of the action following his introduction in the 72nd minute as he met Niklas Schmidt’s cross with a header and struck the post. Just a few minutes later, he tested the Osnabrück ‘keeper (77’) once more and even hit the woodwork again in added time (90+1’). VfL Osnabrück defeated SV Werder Bremen 2-0 and knocked them out of the DFB-Pokal. “Of course I was frustrated. We were all disappointed and wanted to advance in the competition. We had enough chances to win the game. However, we are now fully focused on the league, in particular the upcoming match against Paderborn.”
SVW face SC Paderborn this Sunday (15th August, 13:30 CEST) on the third matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. Even though the side’s performances and team spirit was acceptable in the last two games, Rapp is hoping for a more clinical display. “We want to show a strong reaction and be more potent in front of goal. We want to get our first home win of the season with the fans cheering us on,” added Rapp.
The 24 year old describes himself as a ‘resolute opponent’ who does not back out of a challenge. “I want to help the team and prove my ability. Everyone has to get stuck in and step it up. We need that intensity.” The defender knows Markus Anfang well from their time together at Darmstadt, and only had good things to say about the Werder coach. “He is an ambitious coach with a clear plan. I think he is a suitable coach for me because I like being told what the goal is. Once you set me a target, I can begin to work towards it."
