“I immediately knew I wanted to join Werder after that conversation” | OneFootball

Wöber was born in Vienna and came through Rapid’s academy (Photo: W.DE).

Interview with new signing Maximilian Wöber

Maximilian Wöber, who has arrived on loan from Premier League side Leeds United, is SV Werder’s first new signing for the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old has gained experienced in a number of different leagues and previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. In an interview with WERDER.DE, Wöber revealed why he specifically wanted to return to Germany, what his compatriots said to him and which conversation particularly convinced him to come to Bremen.

WERDER.DE: Moin Max, welcome to Bremen. What have you made of the city so far and what’s your first impression of the club?

Maximilian Wöber: Really, really positive. I’ve not seen a lot of the city so far, but I’ve gone past the Bremer Stadtmusikanten already and had dinner with family after I signed my contract. Everyone I’ve met so far has been really friendly and open.

Wöber and Friedl previously played together as youngsters for Austria (Photo: imago).

WERDER.DE: What you’ve definitely already figured out is that Austrians traditionally feel very comfortable in Bremen. Do you have any idea why that might be?

Maximilian Wöber: I think it's the family-like atmosphere. Everyone is very open here, whereas in Vienna, where I'm from, people can sometimes be a bit too direct (chuckles). When we have that feeling of comfort, we perform TO our best. That’s why Werder has always been a great place for us Austrians.

WERDER.DE: In Marco Friedl, Romano Schmid, and Marco Grüll, you already know three players. Did you ask them about the club beforehand?​​​​​​​

Maximilian Wöber: I've been in contact with Werder for a while, so I already had a chat with them while at the national team. We talked about whether they could give me tips on apartments, hotspots, how the team is and the stadium. I only received positive feedback from all of them, so it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to join Werder as the next ‘Ösi’.

WERDER.DE: We heard yesterday that you also know Marco Friedl as a forward. How were the duels with him?

Maximilian Wöber: He was still playing for Bayern's youth team back then, and we first played together in the national team. Marco was a striker at that time, and he felt like he was about 1.30 meters tall – about the same height as Romano (laughs). I was playing as an attacking midfielder at the time, but that changed pretty quickly too.

WERDER.DE: The connection to your fellow countrymen probably won’t be the only reason you’re coming to Bremen.

Maximilian Wöber: Basically, I wanted to return to the Bundesliga. I’ll become a father for the first time in December, and when my wife is happy, it makes everything easier. The club has a great appeal, and I had the chance to speak with Horst Steffen. After the 45-minute conversation, I immediately told Johannes Jahns and my management that I wanted to join Werder. Because something is being built here, and if the coach can get the right mood into the team and we can pass that on to the fans, a lot is possible this season.

Wöber will be the 15th Austrian to play for Werder (Photo: WERDER.DE).

WERDER.DE: All the best to you and your young family for the future. You mentioned Horst Steffen: How much of an opportunity is it to start with fresh energy?

Maximilian Wöber: A change is always good for a team. It creates new competition because the cards are reshuffled and everyone has to prove themselves. From my conversation with Horst Steffen, I gathered that it’s important to him that the team spirit and confidence are there. When we have those things, a team will always continue to develop.

WERDER.DE: You’ve already mentioned your goal of returning to the Bundesliga and that you have a lot of international experience. What makes the league stand out?

Maximilian Wöber: Every game is a battle, the atmosphere is incredible – as a footballer, it’s paradise. It’s like that in England too, but the atmosphere is different. For me and my little family, the German language makes it easier to organise everything around football. And as I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, it’s easier to perform well when you feel comfortable.

Wöber will wear the number 39 shirt at Werder (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: You’re a very versatile player who can play centrally or on the left in defence. How would you describe yourself as a player?

Maximilian Wöber: As a tough defender who loves to engage in hard tackles, push his teammates, drive the team forward, and give everything for the win. That’s what I want to show here as well.

WERDER.DE: You’ve always done that, just like in the past, wearing the number 39. Is there a story behind it?

Maximilian Wöber: As a very young player, when I was 16, I was randomly assigned a number at Rapid, and that turned out to be number 39. I made my debut with it, and somehow I've always felt connected to that number. Every time it's available, I’m happy to take it.

WERDER.DE: In the past season, bad luck with injuries set you back a bit. How excited are you to now have a full pre-season to get back to your best?

Maximilian Wöber: Last year was tough with two knee surgeries. They weren’t severe injuries, but they took a lot of time and mental energy. In the last few months, I’ve been training at full intensity and even played a game for the national team again after a long time. I’m excited to leave that period behind me and now get back to my best. I will give my all to stay fit for the entire season.

WERDER.DE: And what are your goals with Werder?

Maximilian Wöber: That’s difficult to say because I haven’t really met many of the players yet. For me, it’s important to settle in and integrate. As the training camp progresses, there will be time to sit down with the coach and see what goals we want to work towards.

WERDER.DE: After the interview, you’re off to view apartments. What’s important for you to feel at home?

Maximilian Wöber: Everyone who comes home and shuts the door behind them wants to feel like they’re at home – that’s exactly what we’re looking for. With Marco Friedl, Romano Schmid, and Marco Grüll, I had three great ‘real estate agents’ who already set up appointments for me. I just hope the commission isn’t too high (laughs).

WERDER.DE: We wish you lots of success with that and a great start, Max!