Two teams in contrasting form go head to head when VfL Wolfsburg travel to Werder Bremen on Saturday 28 January (kick-off 15:30 CET). Werder, who have lost their last four games and have yet to register a point since the turn of the year, host a goal-hungry Wolves side currently on a six-match winning run. VfL have scored 22 goals and conceded just once in those half-dozen games, but head coach Niko Kovac is refusing to get carried away ahead of the meeting with a Bremen outfit who are “difficult to play against”. At Friday’s pre-match press conference, the Wolves boss also spoke about…
… personnel: “Lukas Nmecha is completing his recovery programme and isn’t ready to play. We don’t want to take any risks with Felix Nmecha, so he won’t be involved in Bremen tomorrow. Paulo Otavio however is back from suspension.”
… VfL’s opponents: “We’ve already had a spell this season where things weren’t going so well, but we eventually managed to turn the tide. We obviously want to stop Bremen from doing just that and continue our own run. That said, I know from my own experience that Bremen are very difficult to play against. They’re a strong team with a strong mentality and will be cheered on by 40,000 home fans. I think Bremen are much better than their last few games suggest.”
… the Wolves’ winning run: “We’re obviously pleased with the team’s development, but it’s only half-time. We still have 17 league games to play and a lot can happen in that time. We can’t afford to think everything will happen on its own and continue in this manner. We always have to play to our limits and take on our opponents – both physically and in terms of our general play. Only then can we continue this run and make the most of our resources.”
… new signing Nicolas Cozza: “He has just the profile we need: he’s strong on the ball, has played for France’s U21 side and can play in central defence. I hope he’ll find his feet quickly. He’s training with the team for the first time today. He’ll be given all the time he needs because I’m sure he’s going to help us.”
