Davy Klaassen is full of praise for the way in which Werder Bremen escaped direct relegation in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The Dutch midfielder’s team won 6-1 against FC Köln to reach the playoffs in which it can play safely.
“I think not many people expected this, but we have always kept faith,” says 27-year-old Klaassen on the site of his club. “We felt that the whole city was behind us and that the fans believed in us. That paid off.”
Werder was already 3-0 in the Weserstadion within half an hour. After the break, the home team walked much further thanks to a hit by Klaassen. Because competitor Fortuna Düsseldorf lost 3-0 at Union Berlin, Werder climbed to the crucial sixteenth place.
Werder now has playoffs with the number three from the Second Bundesliga. Local burger Hamburger SV may be the opponent. “I would like it if it becomes HSV,” said the former Ajax player. “I’ve never played that derby before, so now would be a good time.”
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Trainer Florian Kohfeldt takes a sigh of relief after Werder Bremen has escaped direct degradation. (Photo: Pro Shots)
Trainer Kohfeldt: ‘Have it in your own hands now’
Trainer Florian Kohfeldt realizes that Werder has been very lucky. “We were under severe pressure prior to today’s game. We knew: if we don’t win, it’s over. At the same time, we didn’t have it in our own hands, which made it extra difficult,” said 37-year-old Kohfeldt.
“We have to thank Union Berlin very much for the fact that this team has done its sporting duty. They had a fantastic season and this was the icing on the cake.”
According to Kohfeldt, Werder should watch out for slack in the next two playoff duels. “Not much has changed in that regard. The relentless pressure remains for the time being and we can’t let go of an inch. The difference now is that we have it in our own hands. Two more finals will follow in which we must be at our best . “
View the results and the final score in the Bundesliga
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