"We need to show that we are strong as a group” | OneFootball

The game in Bielefeld is due to be the first competitive experience as new Werder head coach for Horst Steffen. (photo: W:DE)

Horst Steffen at the pre-match press conference before the Pokal game in Bielefeld

The time is now: SV Werder and new head coach Horst Steffen face their first competitive test of the new 2025/26 season. The DFB-Pokal first round tie, which takes place on Friday evening (15.08.2025) at 20:45 CEST against last year’s runners-up Arminia Bielefeld, will be Werder’s new coach’s debut in the Green-White dugout . At the press conference on Wednesday, he spoke about things such as...

...deciding on his first-choice goalkeeper: “Both are good and I had the choice. Zetti has proved that he can do it in the Bundesliga and that is why I picked him. He will also play in goal against Bielefeld in the cup. Mio was naturally not delighted with the news, but has remained positive with a great attitude in training.”

...his feelings before his first competitive game: “It’s something new for me. That much is clear. But in the end what matters is that we get the win on Friday against an opponent who will demand a lot from us.”

...Werder as potentially being ‘underdogs’ as a Bundesliga side: “Every game is a new game. I believe we’re good enough to get the win in Bielefeld. In order to do that, we need to perform well, both in defence and in attack. Bielefeld have a lot of things they do well, but for us it’s clear; we want to focus on our task and show that we’re the Bundesliga team.”

...the appeal of knockout football: “A cup game is of course different to a league game. I’m always thinking of solutions. We want to achieve the best possible result with everything we’ve got. That’s how I see it and that’s something I want to get across. The boys are excited about the cup game, and I sense within the team that they know what this match means. And that's exactly where we want to be.”

“It’s not a psychological thing”

The DFB-Pokal game against Bielefeld will be Steffen's first in charge of Werder (photo: W:DE)

...the number of injuries during pre-season: “It’s not ideal, but the mood is still good though. Some have been able to pull through and are ready while others still have some catching up to do. Three players are currently unavailable (Mitchell Weiser, Jens Stage and Amos Pieper), but I think we have enough to compete, both in Bielefeld and in the Bundesliga.”

...the lack of goals in pre-season: “I’m confident that those up front can score goals. Everyone who plays up there for us has already proved they can score goals in the Bundesliga. It’s not a psychological thing, we just need to put our trust in these players.”

...Bielefeld’s coach Mitch Kniat: “I already know him from my time in the third division when he was at Verl. I have a lot of respect for the work he’s done and it’s clear that he’s doing a good job with the team after winning promotion and then getting to the DFB-Pokal final.”

...the cup exit to Bielefeld last season: “I haven’t spoken with the players about this game much. I’ve watched back the first half and will watch the second half soon, as well as Bielefeld’s first two league games of the season. I will try and form my own opinions. The boys know what to expect at their ground though. Therefore, we need to make our hard work count on the pitch and show that we are strong as a group.”