As always in recent years, the fans are in for a treat when Werder Bremen is in Bundesliga action. The first twelve matches of the Green-Whites have produced 51 goals, 4.25 per match on average.
The fans may like that, but coaches and management at Werder aren't equally happy. Why? Take a look at the table…
Too many goals conceded
Werder are down in tenth place with 17 points, 28 goals scored and 23 conceded. The Green-Whites are already eight points behind leaders Leverkusen and Hoffenheim.
The main reason for the bumpy start is the leaky defence. Werder have kept just two clean sheets so far, and no Bundesliga team has conceded more than the 23 goals Werder have shipped.
“Merte” and Naldo with problems
That's partly down to the central defence. Both Per Mertesacker and Naldo haven't hit top form yet. “Merte” has won just 55.6% of his challenges (after 72.5% last season), Naldo's record has dropped from 65.9% to 55.4%.
But the problems of the central defenders are just one part of the bigger picture. Far too often Werder players have been too far away from their opponents, presenting them with goalscoring opportunities and, consequently, goals.
Champions League disappointment
Even more disappointing than Werder's Bundesliga form have been the results in the Champíons League, however.
Bremen drew the first three matches, two of them away, but then came a 3-0 home defeat against Greek side Panathinaikos, putting Werder under real pressure.
Improvement in Bochum
The goalless draw in Bochum was an improvement in both passion and defending, however.
“We wanted to bounce back from the Panathinaikos match, and we did. We played well outside the box, but we weren't determined enough in front of goal. The only thing that was missing were goals”, coach Thomas Schaaf commented.
His team has the chance to make amends for that on Sunday, when promoted 1. FC Köln pay a visit to the Weser stadium.
Sven Becker / Translation: Christof Greiner
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