Football Season Guide

Werder Bremen enjoyed a solid return to the Bundesliga as they easily achieved their pre-season aim of extending their stay in the division despite a slump in form in the second half of the campaign. Bremen started the campaign in excellent form but their inability to keep teams out meant they had to spend a nervous final weeks of the season which saw them finish just three points above the relegation zone. Defense remains their weakness ahead of the new season with Bremen unable to bring in reinforcements so far. Bremen have improved their options in the midfield with Senne Lynen their only outlay so far from Union Saint Gilloise. Their biggest signing though is the free transfer of Naby Keita from Liverpool and while he would have expected to be in the lineup right from the start, the midfielder has suffered a serious injury that rules him out for the opening few weeks. They have weakened somewhat in the defense with Lee Buchanan and Fabio Chiarodia both sold, though they played more of a supporting role last season, struggling to break into the lineup. Niklas Schmidt has also been moved on while Bremen decided not to extend Maximilian Philipp's loan deal. Coach Werner has managed to hold on to the core of his team, including key strike duo Fullkrug and Ducksch. However it is at the back where Bremen need to improve if they are to have any hopes of a far more comfortable outing this season.