Yeah in the league after that loss in Dortmund there is nothing to play for in terms of prices but the honour which is an absolutely integral part of Werder's approach to any game. A feature that makes us great and outperform regularly.
We shall take that international "break" and use the time given to get key players fit and the team mentally ready for the rest of the games (for the business end of the season where we could appear twice in finals if things do work out 110 %). However, I hope we get more consistency in the selection policies with Schaaf having full powers over a fit squad (a dream with the many injuries at the moment).
I guess Frings' presence in a game like that in Dortmund as well as Rosenberg's pace could have given us more options in midfield and attack. A passing game against Dortmund without a holder and runner, one who gets the ball, the other one who creates runs through pace have been missed. Maybe the Stuttgart momentum could have been maintained then and confidence could have been improved. As they were out injured, I hope they get rested and regain their physical and mental best (getting into the rhytm really through a run of appearances). What happens when games resume again at the beginning of April is vital after the international "break."
Give it a push in the home games and the results will surely come with more scored goals, goals which come from grinding out results rather than dominating opponents. Hannover first, Udinese then, a lot to play for and a chance to restore confidence. Then Leverkusen, Udinese and Hertha away. That is where we need the confidence and cushion from the first leg and the Hannover home game. We have to put maximum effort into that.
As seen with Aston Villa in England in recent games, momentum can not just be transferred from game to game. When you switch off and field a weak team in the Uefa Cup competion or the domestic cup as they seemingly have done, the rhythm, a moody little fucker, is gone. Therefore, even if we are without a shout to qualify for the Uefa Cup through the league, we have to take every game as if they represent of these knockout matches in the cup.
I hoped for avoiding a pacey Man City as well as Hamburg in the quarters. This part of the draw was accomplished, however, if we get through we definetely pass one of them in the next round. I didn't want to play either of them , not because I disrespect other opponents as I truly believe all are within a substantial shout of winning the Uefa Cup for one reason or another which makes the cup so interesting this year and an enjoyment to follow, but because this tie will take a lot out of the two teams in terms of stamina and concentration. The best part is that one of them will be out. I hope for Hamburg knocking out Man City. In the event of a possible semi-final of the Uefa Cup :applaus: after disposing of the (very, very good) opposition from Udinese (hopefully), this one draw after all with whom I could live it. I hope that Man City which did show away from home (as they did in Aalborg) that they seem to perform rather indifferent is good for us but I only fear that this season bullish, pacey and confident attackers may be able to shine against Werder in the Weserstadion. A quarter final against them would have come to early, however if it comes to it in the semis we should be in the state of mind to be able to take on. The stakes need to be one inch higher for this to come. But, I hope that Premiership-experienced Manager Martin Jol has a chance to get them out of the cup. I see the odds (55 % - 45 % for Hamburg).
I am not saying this because I think Hamburg will be easier, by no means is that the case but I have a feeling as with Arsenal in the 1999/2000 season that we have problem dealing with the English pace not until the team has not shown that it is settled, which it somehow through to his inconsistency it hasn't. We know Hamburg in and out, the same like they do with us, sometimes they fox us out, sometimes we fox them out in direct encounters but the odds are even. Schaaf and Jol this will be a battle of Managers as well. Man city would be the new team in the equation for us.
We need to step up if we want to get to the semis in the Uefa Cup and maybe beyond, but it is in us. As for the German cup, I am not thinking about that match until the match is the next one the positive excitement which will turn into more anxiousness and positive alertness before the match will come. It will be an epic match.
There's still a hell of a lot to play for for us. Let's get some silverware. :svw_applaus:
Somehow, as said, we seem to have a home form although not scoring much but that is something I am sure will be overcome by the continous effort of just scoring and hopefully get two strikers that can combine together in whatever formation (Rosenberg or Almeida as second striker and maybe Harnik and Hunt with frequent appearances but they have to show something for it). Defence at the moment seems settle or at least alert enough to take matters serious but there is no support from front as we are lacking this consistent stabilising momentum-building element of selection options due to the many injuries.
Next season will be a season of restructuring plus an evaluation of the assets there. The general Werder approach to things shall not be scrutinised, this is what made us strong. There must be changes in the personel, however. I think individually everybody there is capable if they perform at their best and display that day-in and day-out but we haven't reached the consistency as of yet but there are sixteen games to come.
