Dino Toppmöller
Eintracht FrankfurtOle Werner
Werder Bremen
Meeting Highlights…INJURY REPORT
Hugo Larsson could play half-time, that's the recommendation, but he's not a candidate for the starting eleven. Hugo Ekitiké will miss the game due to minor adductor problems. Farès Chaibi had a positive impact on our game against Union and also did well during the week - he is an option for the vacated place. But that's also Donny van de Beek. We will finally nominate the squad on Friday. If you don't play for a long time, it takes time to get into your rhythm and unfortunately you always have problems. As a player, I experienced this firsthand. Ekitiké’s absence is a shame, he has made a physically stable impression recently and has shown again and again in his play that we can really use him.
…WERDER BREMEN
They have a lot of quality in their ranks. It's not uncommon for there to be a lot of entertainment value when Bremen plays, it could be a spectacle. If you give them space, they have a good shift of play and forward momentum. We need good aggressiveness when running up and also when defending give-and-go actions - so they can get through the centre and over the wing more often.
…ENERGY
It just depends on what happens on the pitch on Friday from 8.30 p.m. There's always good energy in the group, but in the end it's about getting it into place and having a high level of activity. In the second half against Union we did an excellent job, we had a completely different power on the pitch - that also had to do with tactical changes, both in Berlin and ours. Now we have to show that from the first minute, stress the opponent early on and play our game going forward. A high level of activity against the ball automatically results in higher ball wins. We have to act differently in our approach, put the opponent under pressure earlier and generate energy from the stands. Then things look different overall.
Dino Toppmöller
Manager on Eintracht Frankfurt…INJURY REPORT
Hugo Larsson could play half-time, that's the recommendation, but he's not a candidate for the starting eleven. Hugo Ekitiké will miss the game due to minor adductor problems. Farès Chaibi had a positive impact on our game against Union and also did well during the week - he is an option for the vacated place. But that's also Donny van de Beek. We will finally nominate the squad on Friday. If you don't play for a long time, it takes time to get into your rhythm and unfortunately you always have problems. As a player, I experienced this firsthand. Ekitiké’s absence is a shame, he has made a physically stable impression recently and has shown again and again in his play that we can really use him.
…WERDER BREMEN
They have a lot of quality in their ranks. It's not uncommon for there to be a lot of entertainment value when Bremen plays, it could be a spectacle. If you give them space, they have a good shift of play and forward momentum. We need good aggressiveness when running up and also when defending give-and-go actions - so they can get through the centre and over the wing more often.
…ENERGY
It just depends on what happens on the pitch on Friday from 8.30 p.m. There's always good energy in the group, but in the end it's about getting it into place and having a high level of activity. In the second half against Union we did an excellent job, we had a completely different power on the pitch - that also had to do with tactical changes, both in Berlin and ours. Now we have to show that from the first minute, stress the opponent early on and play our game going forward. A high level of activity against the ball automatically results in higher ball wins. We have to act differently in our approach, put the opponent under pressure earlier and generate energy from the stands. Then things look different overall.
Ole Werner
Manager on Werder Bremen…INJURY REPORT
Team will be without Niklas Stark, Justin Njinmah and Skelly Alvero on Friday evening. Anthony Jung will also miss the game as part of his red-card suspension. Amos Pieper could come into the squad to replace the defender, with Werner commenting that Pieper was entirely an option. Michael Zetterer has also recovered from a minor ankle injury and will travel to Frankfurt with the team, as will Dawid Kownacki.
…TEAM’S MOOD
The mood within the team is important, as you always look to pick the team up from wherever they are emotionally. It's always something that you have to take into consideration. We're able to take stock of the situation in a measured and self-critical manner, without being too negative. Over the course of the season, we have always been able to pull together and dig ourselves out of any tough situations by showing the quality we have as a team. As long as we remain focused on ourselves and do our job, then we will be able to turn things around again.
…OPPONENT
Eintracht Frankfurt have a very passionate fan base. They are a strong team and always manage to showcase their qualities on the pitch. It's one reason why they're in the running for a spot in Europe next season. We're heading there with the confidence that we have what it takes to win there.