Werder Bremen’s head coach, Horst Steffen, has expressed optimism following a productive training week in preparation for their upcoming match against Union Berlin. After a disappointing draw with Heidenheim, the team aims to showcase a strong response when facing Union on Friday night.
Positive Developments in Training
Steffen highlighted the successful training sessions this week, referring to it as “one of the best” since his arrival. He has observed vital improvements in the team’s intensity and activity levels, which he believes will translate into better performance on match day.
- Team focused on accuracy and intensity during training.
- Steffen expects players to bring their best effort on the field.
Niklas Stark’s Return
A significant boost for Werder is the anticipated return of defender Niklas Stark. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since the second matchday due to hip problems. Steffen confirmed Stark’s participation in team training, making it likely he will be included in the squad against Union.
Player Updates and Expectations
Alongside Stark, Senne Lynen is set to return after missing the last game due to the birth of his second child. However, the injury list remains unchanged for players like Mitchell Weiser and Maximilian Wöber.
Match Preview
In their previous encounter with Heidenheim, Werder struggled, particularly in the first half, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Steffen emphasized the need for his players to rebound and perform better against Union Berlin, a team he considers to be on a “higher quality” level compared to Heidenheim.
- Match details: Werder Bremen vs. Union Berlin
- Date: Friday
- Kick-off: 20:30 CET
Historically, Union Berlin has faced challenges in Friday night matches, losing all six of their away games on this day. While Steffen acknowledged this stat, he maintained a cautious approach, stating that past results do not influence his strategy moving forward.
Conclusion
As the team prepares for the important clash, Steffen’s confidence reflects the positive signals from training. With key players returning, Werder Bremen is eager to rectify their prior performance and claim victory against Union Berlin.
