Football Season Guide

Werder Bremen

In


Leonardo Bittencourt(mid) (Hoffenheim); Omer Toprak(def) (Borussia Dortmund); Felix Agu(def) (Osnabruck); Johan Mina(mid) (Emelec); Patrick Erras(mid) (Nurnberg); Tahith Chong(mid) (Manchester United - Loan)

Out


Nuri Sahin(sp)(mid) (Antalyaspor); Fin Bartels(sp)(mid) (Holstein Kiel); Jan-Niklas Beste(def) (Jahn Regensburg - Loan); Benjamin Goller(mid)(Karlsruher - Loan); Felix Beijmo(def) (Malmo); Luca Plogmann(gk) (SV Meppen); Claudio Pizarro(sp)(att) (Retired); Sebastian Langkamp(r)(def) (Released); Philipp Bargfrede(r)(mid) (Released); Kevin Vogt(r)(mid) (Hoffenheim - End of Loan)

Werder Bremen managed to avoid a major disappointment last season as they just about managed to salvage their Bundesliga status despite finishing in the bottom three before emerging victorious on away goals in the relegation playoffs. Florian Kohfeldt has held on to his job despite the poor campaign last season but the upcoming campaign could be a promising one for Bremen who have been in good form during the pre-season, winning all of their seven friendlies while impressing both in the attack and at the back. With respect to arrivals, Bremen have converted Bittencourt and Toprak's loan deals into a permanent move while also bringing in Tahith Chong on loan from Manchester United with the Dutch winger expected to provide creativity down the flanks. Patrick Erras is the only other major acquisition in the transfer window and will be replacing Philipp Bargfrede in the midfield. With Pizarro, Langkamp, Bartels and Sahin also leaving during the off-season, Bremen have lost experience in their squad but Kohfeldt will be confident that a younger squad will help ensure a far more comfortable campaign this season, though key to their success will be their ability to keep players fit, something which they struggled to do so last season.

Target


Staying well clear of the relegation will be the immediate aim for Bremen though Kohfeldt will be looking to attempt a challenge for a place in the top half.