Babbel: “You can do more and you are better!”

His team are well armed ahead of the precarious encounter. “They are a good bunch with a strong mentality. They've just not been able to convert that into a result of late”, said Babbel in the press conference on Friday. The game on Sunday looks like an even game. “The situation in Bremen is the same as it is here: a great deal of attacking quality but problems in defence.” For that reason, it is pivotal to stay compact at the back and to drive forward as quickly as possible once in possession.

The 1899-coach has a few problems with personnel again. Sebastian Rudy will miss out having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, and Chris, Matthieu Delpierre, Stefan Thesker and Jannik Vestergaard are unavailable due to injury. There aren't many alternatives, especially in central defence. Nevertheless, Babbel is still confident: “We have enough quality in the side to compensate for those missing.“

Werder Bremen come to Kraichgau having suffered a 4-1 defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Wednesday, but they have still had a remarkable season so far. Just two points behind sixth-placed Hannover 96, they're achieving their goal of having the European spots in their sights.

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