Pre-Match Report
In-Form Bremen: The Next Highlight for BVB
The scenario
The intense fall schedule continues for BVB with their sixth competitive match in 19 days. Despite the heavy workload, head coach Niko Kovac says the team is focused on their next challenge against Werder Bremen. Following victories in the UEFA Champions League against Sabah FC (2-1) and in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt (1-0), Borussia Dortmund is also aiming to win in the DFB Pokal to remain in contention in all three competitions.
Reflecting on the recent results, Kovac commented on the team’s current situation: “Of course, wins are always important for confidence. They were controlled victories; we created many chances in Baku and also against Eintracht. We need to be even more precise, sharper, and more accurate in finishing. But I saw many good moments that we can hopefully carry over into the next games.”
Squad
Ramy Bensebaini is suspended after receiving a red card; Joane Gadou will return to the Black and Yellows’ starting lineup in his place. Konstantinos Karetsas, who suffered a ligament injury in his right foot on Tuesday, won’t be ready to return to the matchday roster just yet. Backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer, who has recently been ill, is also likely to miss the cup match.
You can read here who is fully fit despite Sunday’s canceled training session.
Opponent
BVB’s most recent matchup against Werder Bremen took place just two and a half weeks ago. On Matchday 5 of the Bundesliga, the two rivals played to a 2-2 draw after a spectacular closing phase. Since then, Werder has picked up four points in the Bundesliga against SC Paderborn (2-2) and Mainz 05 (3-2) and currently sits in sixth place in the standings.
Niko Kovac is convinced that the Bremen team will take the field at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK with their heads held high. “It’s clear that they’re doing a very good job in Bremen. Even though some key players have left, they’ve managed to put together a strong unit on the field,” said the BVB coach about the opponent in the upcoming knockout match. Former Dortmund player Niclas Füllkrug stands out with eight goals in seven league games so far. But Kovac also credits the rest of the Bremen team with “very, very good transition play” and strong morale. Werder has already picked up points four times in the Bundesliga despite falling behind at some point in the game.
When asked about the draw two and a half weeks ago, Kovac explained: “We controlled the game for 80 to 85 minutes and then let it slip away in the final eight minutes. If we can sustain over 90 minutes what we managed for 85, we’ll hopefully win the game as well.”
Aiming to Break the Streak
BVB’s last three cup matches against Werder Bremen took place in the round of 16 and ended in 2009, 2019, and 2020 with the Hanseatic side advancing each time. On Tuesday evening, that streak is set to end, clearing the way for Borussia Dortmund to advance to the round of 16 in the 26/27 season.
Mats-Yannick Roth