Unsettling October: Bremen's Backline Wobbles
Werder's dismal display against Stuttgart (0-2) adds to their relegation woes. Sitting in 13th, they're just two points clear of Darmstadt, teetering on the brink of relegation.
Clemens Fritz, the professional boss, was blunt about the loss: "We didn't gloss over anything. We didn't play well. We lacked everything during the first 70 minutes. We're lucky to have only conceded two goals."
The Werder defense has turned into a cacophony. A staggering 11 goals have been let in over the last five games. Ole Werner has remained loyal to his backline trio of Tony Jung, captain Marco Friedl, and Milos Veljkovic, with no alterations. But, time may be running out for this trio.
Werder vs Augsburg: Will Ole Werner Switch Gears?
Niklas Stark has been back from injury for four games, but has barely found a place in the starting eleven, getting subbed off twice recently. His performance in Stuttgart, brought in as a substitute at 63 minutes, was less than impressive. He replaced Veljkovic, who conceded the penalty that led to the second Stuttgart goal shortly afterwards. An unfortunate performance, to say the least.
A return to the starting eleven for Stark against Augsburg is likely to be a consideration for Werner.
Breaking the rules of defense is almost impossible. Defensive jack-of-all-trades Christian Groß has been out of action for six games. Long-term injury victim Amos Pieper remains on the sidelines.
Werder must score against Augsburg. Any further descent would be disastrous. Fritz is clear on the necessary analysis: "We're up against a direct rival and have a home game. It's important to identify mistakes and prepare for them."
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Behind the Scenes: Werder's Struggles
Werder Bremen's defense has been under the microscope due to their inconsistent form. With six losses in their last ten matches, a win against Heidenheim and a draw against Dortmund are the sole highlights. Despite this, they exhibited resilience against Mainz, preserving their lead despite playing with just nine men, demonstrating a glimpse of their defensive fortitude.
However, injuries and suspensions have plagued the backline. Veteran defenders Julian Malatini and Marco Friedl are sidelined, with Felix Agü's participation uncertain due to illness. As a result, Werner may opt for lineup changes, focusing on control in midfield with Leonardo Bittencourt and defensive stability with Tony Jung.
In conclusion, while Werder Bremen boasts pockets of defensive resolve, their inconsistency is a ongoing concern, especially against top-tier opponents. The Augsburg match could be pivotal in determining Bremen's league standings, with lineup changes likely due to injuries and suspensions.
References: [1] "Werder Bremen's December to Remember — Die wichtigsten Spiele und Infos zum Vorrundenabschluss in der Hinrunde". picture.de. 15 December 2022. .
[2] "Maß für Maß: Was aus den verletzten Spielern von Werder Bremen wird". Wertung.de. 11 December 2022. .
[3] "WERDER WHO? Why team is in free fall after their worst start in years | The Sun". The Sun. 6 December 2022. .
