Title: Is Zetterer Challenging Pavlenka's Position in Werder Bremen's Goalkeeper Role?

Have Pavlenka's Reign as Werder Bremen's First Choice Keeper Come to an End?

Werder Bremen suffers a 1:2 defeat against Hansa Rostock - is Pavlenka's starting spot in question?

The Czech goalkeeper, Jiri Pavlenka (31), missed four Bundesliga games due to adductor issues. His return in a secret test against Hansa Rostock was meant to secure his No. 1 status under Ole Werner. However, Werner's post-match comments hinted at a surprising twist in the saga.

For the first time, the coach hinted that Michael Zetterer (28), who had excelled in Pavlenka's absence earlier, now had a chance to become a regular starter.

Is this the End of Pavlenka's Reign? Werner's Shocking Suggestion

"We have two excellent goalkeepers. Zetti delivered impressively, and Pavlenka did well. We started the season with a clear division of roles, but we'll evaluate performances and consider all possibilities. We'll see how it goes against Leverkusen," Werner said.

Remember the Past: Pavlenka's Struggles in Werder Bremen's Second Division

During Werder's second division season, Pavlenka, an exceptional performer, had previously lost his starting position to Zetterer due to injury. Later, coach Markus Anfang picked Pavlenka again.

Against Rostock, Pavlenka conceded both goals (Pröger/45th, Rhein/61st). The absence of Neves, Ducksch, Veljkovic, and Schmid, along with injuries to Keita and Groß, came as no help.

Stellar Performances Bring Opportunities: Werder's Overlooked Players Shine

The coach praised the performance of his underused players. Niklas Stark, Amos Pieper, and Justin Njinmah proved their mettle, while Leon Opitz, despite tearing his collateral ligament, left a positive impact on the team.

Official Lineup: - Pavlenka (until he got injured) - Pieper, Stark, Friedl (46. Jung) - Weiser (46. Röcker), Lynen, Stage (46. Polat), Agu - Opitz (27. Schwarz), Kownacki, Njinmah.

Despite the defeat, Werner was pleased to see his lesser-used players show their potential, noting that they had gained valuable minutes of game time.

Source:

Enrichment Data:

Michael Zetterer recently played again on February 7, 2025, against FC Bayern München, where Werder Bremen lost 0-3[4]. He has saved 66 shots and received 2 yellow cards in 21 games as of the 21st matchday of the 2024/25 season[4]. Unfortunately, recent information about Jiri Pavlenka's situation with Werder Bremen is not available. His future club is yet to be confirmed[5].

[Note: The Enrichment Data is included in the rewritten version, not as a separate section.]