Werder Bremen: Coach Werner sees “a danger” in the transfer strategy

Lean budget in Bremen

In terms of sport, Werder Bremen did a very good job of returning to the Bundesliga last season. The Hanseatic League is having a harder time financially. In an interview with “Sport Bild”, coach Ole Werner explained the immediate and possible medium-term consequences: the squad is relatively small, but there is a great concern that it could not be enough.

“We don’t have a big squad. This is due to the financial situation,” explained Werner. “That’s why it will be very difficult for us to become active in the winter transfer phase. And that is certainly a danger.”

Bremen reported a plus for the first time in two years. The Green-Whites closed the 2021/2022 financial year with a profit of 6.3 million euros, also thanks to high income from player sales. However, the premiums to be paid after promotion also gnawed at the means again. On the Weser, people are grappling with negative equity. The club has built up reserves, but there is also the threat of a penalty from the DFL of over 2.5 million euros due to licensing requirements. Werder announced that they would examine options for appeal.

Werner: Werder must “come over other things”

Werner sees Werder’s danger not only in his own forced restraint, but also in the transfer strategy of the competition. “I’m assuming that other clubs behind us will take the economic risk again and strengthen their teams,” says the former Kieler. And there are a few clubs that are behind Werder thanks to Bremen’s performances in the first half of the season so far. The SVW went into the World Cup break in ninth place.

Therefore, Werder would have to “get over other things,” said the coach, summarizing: “Team cohesion, staying calm in the event of setbacks, always going to the limit and believing in the football we play. Because the first part of the season showed: With the exception of the game against Bayern (1:6), we were able to keep up with all teams.” Before the current season, a fee was only paid for the transfer of Jens Stage. Only Bochum invested less than the 4 million euros from Bremen.

Should the north Germans be able to continue their good haul of points after the turn of the year, Werner will meanwhile get a new contract. The working paper, which runs until 2023, would then automatically be valid until 2024. That’s why the coach currently sees no need for action on contract issues. “There is clarity for all sides,” said Werner. “I think we really enjoy working together and we value each other. When you talk about something like this, the crucial questions are: How can you develop personally? How can the club develop further? Are you the right person for this and can you provide the right impetus? So far I think I can do that with my team. I feel very comfortable here.”

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