"Passion, Psych-Up, and a Leap Forward": What the New Werder Coach Brings to the Table
"Outstanding football performance".
Horst Steffen's arrival in Bremen has set off sparks, with his fiery football vision and enthusiastic demeanor quickly captivating Werder fans.
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Steffen, the cordial 56-year-old from Rhineland, came across as approachable and likeable during his debut address as Werder’s coach, offering a warm, unaffected energy that seems to extend to physical interactions. His spirited, unapologetic approach is well-documented in his seven previous coaching stints, most recently at SV Elversberg. The remarkable rise of Elversberg, nearly advancing to the Bundesliga, adds to Steffen's allure for other teams.
"The Bundesliga is my long-awaited milestone"
"I've covered almost every league in my career," Steffen admits. But the Bundesliga remained elusive until now. Werder's interest in him was irresistible, and he noted, "I knew this was my chance to keep growing."
In Bremen, Steffen aims to grow Werder’s team dynamics and showcase his knack for developing young talent. "I generally prefer to develop young players," Steffen shared: "But they must possess potential." He's already caught a glimpse of Werder's U19, winners of the DFB-Pokal, through video streams. "They're promising prospects. A couple of them might break through."
Age ain't nothing but a number: "Young, middle-aged, or old"
Established players don't faze Steffen. "Young, middle-aged, and old" - Steffen values talent regardless of age, almost like a variety of cheeses. After only a week in Bremen, Steffen refrains from setting goals or naming specific players. Instead, he's immersing himself in observations, clips, and conversations.
He maintains his composure amidst the Bundesliga excitement but lights up when discussing football itself. "I want us to play well, demonstrate passion, and exhibit enthusiasm," Steffen declares, echoing sentiments familiar to avid sports fans everywhere.
Steffen's clear-cut football philosophy: enjoyment, commitment, and spirit
Enjoying the game, giving it your all, camaraderie, intensity, and community - Steffen's football ideals revolve around transmitting joy and excitement, not only to his teammates on the pitch but also to the spectators in the stands and on screens. Values like these are crucial to him. Many of his statements sound like straightforward, basic tenets that prove challenging to implement in professional football. "Hearing positive feedback from former players from various leagues warms my heart," Steffen reveals.
Time will tell if Steffen can make magic happen in Bremen. His sincere enthusiasm and curiosity about his new role are evident, and he embodies the very excitement he hopes to ignite in his team. Who will ultimately join him on the field this season remains to be seen, but club business manager Clemens Fritz has confirmed that squad strategies are already underway[3][4]. At least Werder has found a coach who aligns with their aspirations.
New Coach Steffen Gets Personal at Werder
More about Werder Bremen:
Horst Steffen, Werder Bremen's new coach, is renowned for his aggressive, proactive approach to attacking play. This strategy prioritizes creating scoring opportunities, which could breathe new life into Werder Bremen's performance following their 8th place finish in the 2021/22 Bundesliga season[1][2].
- With his upcoming tenure, Steffen aims to instill a sense of excitement and passion into the game of football at Werder Bremen, just as he did in SV Elversberg where he helmed them incredibly close to the Bundesliga.
- As the new season approaches, Steffen's football philosophy leans towards a dynamic, attacking style that prioritizes enjoyment, commitment, and team spirit - hallmarks that echo the sentiments shared by avid sports enthusiasts everywhere.