Football Season Guide

Werder Bremen

In


Kevin De Bruyne (mid) (Chelsea, loan), Nils Petersen (att) (Bayern Munich, loan), Johannes Wurtz (att) (Saarbrucken), Assani Lukimya (def) (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Richard Strebinger (gk) (Hertha BSC), Raphael Wolf (gk) (Kapfenberger), Theodor Gebre Selassie (def) (Slovan Liberec), Eljero Elia (att) (Juventus)

Out


Tim Wiese (gk) (Hoffenheim), Naldo (def) (Wolfsburg), Tim Borowski (mid) (free), Marko Marin (mid) (Chelsea), Markus Rosenberg (att) (WBA), Mikael Silvestre (def) (free), Claudio Pizarro (att) (Bayern Munich), Lennart Thy (att) (St Pauli), Leon Balogun (def) (Fortuna Dusseldorf)

Werder Bremen were hugely disappointing last season and major changes in the summer aim to make them more competitive again albeit operating on a lower budget. High earners such as Wiese, Naldo, Marin and Pizarro have all departed while Rosenborg and Borowski have also done their bit over the last few seasons as well. On the other hand Elia, on his day, is an excellent signing for the Bundesliga while Petersen should get goals on loan from Bayern Munich. Gebre Selassie enjoyed an impressive Euro 2012 so should be capable of doing well while a number of talented youngsters such as Trybull, Hartherz, Trinks and Fullkrug will also hope to break through to become more consistent performers. The defence in front of young 'keeper Mielitz does seem a little questionable but the midfield is strong as Junuzovic, Hunt, Ignjowski, Bargfrede and Ekici can combine tackling and creative ability to compete with the majority of teams in the division. Bremen are a good looking side and a strong start should set them up for a year challenging for the European spots.

Target


Werder Bremen will aim to return to European football this season.