Following some inconsistent pre-season form, Werder headed into the Bundesliga campaign with new coach Horst Steffen and fresh energy. Bremen reorganised their squad in key areas in the summer, signing both promising talents and experienced players and demonstrating that they want more this season than to leave the relegation zone behind them early on. What must FC Bayern watch out for in their clash with Werder on Friday evening? In our analysis, we take a look at the way our opponents have started the season, their new signings, their prospective line-up and their tactical approach.
Form: A mix of the positive and the negative
After four matchdays, Werder sit in mid-table with four points. The 4-0 away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach was outstanding, with the team impressively demonstrating their attacking potential. The 3-0 defeat to SC Freiburg, on the other hand, was anything but, with Bremen finding it all but impossible to break down the Breisgau side's tight defence. These inconsistencies have characterised the start to the season: Werder have shown they can be dangerous against any opponent, but also that they can get into trouble when they come up against strong opposition. "We've already shown what we're capable of - now it's about becoming more consistent," said the new coach after the Gladbach game. Bayern must be careful here: Bremen have done well on the road so far and have lost just one of their last seven Bundesliga matches. Since the start of the previous Bundesliga season, only FC Bayern have celebrated more successes away from home (13) than Werder (10), with only Bayern (44) and Bayer 04 Leverkusen (36) bettering their total of 33 points as visitors.
Transfers: A breath of fresh air in the squad
Werder strengthened their squad in several key positions in the summer. Samuel Mbangula (Juventus) and Marco Grüll (Rapid Vienna) are two attacking players who should provide pace and unpredictability on the wings. Victor Boniface arrived on loan from runners-up Leverkusen and, as a powerful striker, brings additional punch to their attacking play. At the back, Bremen signed Yukinari Sugawara (Southampton) for the right side of defence and Maximilian Wöber (Leeds United) as a flexible solution at centre-back. In addition, Karl Hein (on loan from Arsenal) is a new keeper who has yet to make an appearance. Among others, striker Marvin Ducksch left the club to join Birmingham City. Despite this departure, there's now more depth and variety in the attack.
Line-up: How Werder might start
Under Steffen, Bremen favour a 4-2-3-1 system. In front of keeper Mio Backhaus, the central defence could consist of Marco Friedl and Karim Coulibaly, flanked by Felix Agu on the left and Yukinari Sugawara on the right. In defensive midfield, Senne Lynen and Jens Stage both play in the number six role, providing stability and creating transitional moments. Ahead of them, Cameron Puertas and Justin Njinmah operate on the wings, while Romano Schmid pulls the strings in the centre. Victor Boniface is likely to play up front - a player Bayern's defence will have to keep a close eye on with his physicality and goal threat. Werder must improve at the back, as the defence is their Achilles heel. Moreover, 21-year-old goalkeeper Mio Backhaus has only saved seven of 17 shots on target - the stopper's 42 per cent save rate is the poorest of all goalkeepers with at least two appearances this season.
Tactics: Keep it tight and transition quickly
Steffen's side try to keep things tight in the centre and force their opponents to make mistakes in their build-up play. Their quick transitioning after winning possession is particularly noteworthy: using their energetic wingers, Bremen try to get forward quickly. Simultaneously, the players put in a lot of legwork - against Gladbach, the North Germans recorded the best stats in the league in terms of sprints and intensive runs. In defence, Werder are variable: sometimes pressing high up the pitch, sometimes taking a wait-and-see approach in midfield, depending on how the game develops. Set-pieces are traditionally one of Bremen's strengths, even if the departure of Ducksch has left a gap when it comes to dead-ball situations.
Summary
Werder Bremen are opponents who can demand everything of Bayern, especially away from home and without the pressure of having to win. In addition to the fresh energy under the new coach, the team have added quality with their new signings. Werder can be particularly dangerous down the flanks and when transitioning quickly. FC Bayern will need to dominate from the start and keep their own ball losses in midfield down to a minimum. That should be enough to ensure the next three points in the clash on Friday evening (20.30 CEST on Sky in Germany). Pack ma's! (Let's do this!)
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