Werder’s plane took off at 9:30am sharp on Thursday morning, to take the 28-strong squad to the training camp in Zell am Ziller. Shortly after arrival, the players and the staff had some engagements to deal with. At around noon, Frank Baumann spoke to the media about new arrivals Stage and Burke, possible comings and goings in the transfer window and the conditions in Zillertal. He also went into detail about the strengths of the new signings and the possible signing of Mitchell Weiser.
Werder’s managing director of sport started off by expressing his delight at the signings of Jens Stage and Oliver Burke: “We are very happy about the timing of these two signings. We said that we wanted to strengthen the team in certain areas as early as possible and we have certainly done that with Jens and Oliver.” However, Baumann didn’t want to single Jens Stage out as the “main” transfer: “I wouldn’t say he is the “main” transfer, because all of the players we have signed are important and you shouldn’t make assumptions based on a transfer fee. The players we signed for free are just as important.” Baumann, however, is fully aware of the strengths of the Denmark international: “He is a hard runner and he can bring a balance to the team. He has defensive qualities but he also gets himself into the box. He is very good in the air and he has a great mentality. He is also a good guy.”
Baumann also commented on the qualities of the 25-year-old attacker, Oliver Burke: “We have known about him for a long time and he has Bundesliga experience. He perhaps hasn’t been able to show his full effectiveness on the pitch over the past couple of years. He offers a lot with his pace and also with the amount of sprinting he can do in a game. He gives us an option that suits us.”
Although there is still room in the squad for new arrivals, Baumann warned that patience is key: “We are still looking at the wide positions but we have said that we need to be patient. It looks like the Mitchell Weiser transfer might not work out, so we will pursue alternatives more intensively,” he said. Although it currently looks like the Weiser transfer may not work out, the 46-year old didn’t rule out a last attempt: “Several parties have been involved in this transfer. There were further talks between Leverkusen and Mitch’s representatives, but no agreement has been reached. A solution would have been found between Werder and Leverkusen but we will have to sidestep that for the time being. Maybe another door will open but at the moment it doesn’t look like it will.”
When asked whether there could be further arrivals in the midfield positions, Baumann replied: “In the middle of the park we are in a good position for the preparation phase. We also need to remember that we have limited financial capabilities. This applies to the transfer fees and the salary structure. We are satisfied with the squad that we currently have at our disposal. I believe we are in good shape in almost all areas. We also have alternatives in each position.” The 46-year-old also doesn’t expect any permanent departures for the time being: “We have young players that are looking to gain playing experience elsewhere but I don’t expect any of the regular players to be leaving.”
Finally, Baumann is happy to be back in Zillertal: “It is great to be back here. It almost feels like home. We are very comfortable here and know the hotel very well. The conditions are very good and we are delighted to be back.”
