"That would have been a rogue prediction" | OneFootball

Ole Werner and his team returned home with all three points following a 2-1 win in Mainz earlier this season (Photo: W.DE).

Press conference ahead of home game against Mainz 05

SV Werder Bremen welcome 1. FSV Mainz 05 to the Weserstadion, as they open matchday 20 on Friday evening (31st January, 20:30 CET). Ahead of the game, head coach Ole Werner spoke to the media about…

…the opponent: "If you'd said ahead of the season that Mainz would be competing with the teams at the top of the table, then that would have been a rogue prediction. They have picked up many points already in the second half of the campaign and are one of this season's surprise packages. It will be a match between two teams that play a very intense brand of football. We want to be prepared for a physical and aggressive game and want to remain focused on how we want to play."

…the win earlier this season: "It won't be relevant by the time the game starts. However, we know what to expect and have already managed a good performance against them this season, which we want to build on. We're heading into the game with a good feeling, but are focused on putting in a strong performance, which we will need."

…Marvin Ducksch: "Marvin was able to train normally, so we don't have any concerns about him. His muscles seized up and he was dealing with some lower back pain, but he was able to move freely during training today and he's feeling good."

…the key match-up against Mainz: "At the end of the season is when you can look back and point out which matches ended up being key ones. We still have a long way to go until then and have some important games still to come. We want to win the game. We want to have what it takes to beat a strong opponent, which we're capable of. The final 30 minutes against Dortmund were good and we now want to get our first win of the year."

"Already well-versed in how we play"

…potentially giving Issa Kaboré his first start for the club: "Both Derrick and Issa are quick, although Issa is slightly better in one-on-ones. Both are very alert in defence and I'm pleased with what I've seen from both, regardless of what my final decision ends up being. Derrick has already proven his value for us, both with his character and with his performances on the pitch. We're already asking ourselves what sort of impact we want to bring in. Issa can obviously also start. He's already well-versed in how we look to play as a team, which makes him an option for our starting XI."

…the end of the transfer window: "It's virtually the same at every club. I'm in the loop about what's being discussed. We're looking at where we can make improvements to our squad and what sort of transfers would help strengthen the team. We're on the ball and are considering what might make sense for us."