“It’s always like being back at school” | OneFootball

Horst Steffen greeted his new players at their performance tests (Photo: WERDER.DE).

The Werder squad return to Bremen

As pupils across Bremen left school for the final time before the summer holidays, it was like the first day back at the Weserstadion this weekend. The SV Werder Bremen squad reported back for duty after their summer break in order to complete the mandatory medical and fitness tests.

Max Wöber got to know a few of his new teammates (Photo: W.DE).

Data from the performance tests has been collected so that the fitness coaches will be able to make individual strength and training plans for each and every Werder player over the coming weeks. These included orthopaedic examinations, rehabilitation assessments, a number of different physical check-ups and endurance tests. The players had separate appointments at the various stations over the weekend, where their health and fitness levels were assessed. The different branches of the medical and athletic departments usually discuss the final numbers at the training camp. The SVW players saw one another at the different stations or on the way to them for the first time since the end of the season, which means that the mood was high despite the physically demanding tests. Only Felix Agu, Marco Friedl, Romano Schmid and Marco Grüll did not return to Bremen this weekend. This is because the quartet were called up for international duty after the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign and are only expected to be back at the Weserstadion on Tuesday, 15th July, as a result.

Reaction from day one of pre-season

Despite the lactate test, the Werder boys were happy to see one another again (Photo: W.DE).

Niklas Stark: “Of course, we enjoyed the break, but it’s nice to see some familiar faces again. It’s sure to be an exciting pre-season with a new head coach and a new system. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”Michael Zetterer: “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again – it’s always like being back in school. Everyone’s got something to say about their break and everyone has to go through the same struggle of the lactate test. We all managed to get through it and we’ll be back out on the pitch on Monday.”Amos Pieper: “The performance tests are part of it, but it’s nice to see so many of the guys again. A couple of the players, including those on international duty, have other time slots, but I was happy to see those that were there today and all of the staff."Keke Topp: “It was nice to have a bit of time off from the team, because we’ve got enough work ahead of us over the next eleven months. Of course, it’s really nice to see and have a chat with everybody.”Dawid Kownacki: “It was nice to see the lads after a year – I spoke to a lot of them today. We’ve got a new coach, but I know a lot already. The new season starts now.”Karim Coulibaly: “I’m happy to be here. I’m honoured that I can play for the club at this level.”Salim Musah: “I’m over the moon that things are finally starting up again, because we had a long enough break. I want to show what I can do and learn from the others, even though it’s a big step up.”