On Tuesday evening, Werder Bremen will compete against Darmstadt 98 in the DFB-Pokal round of 16, a significant match for Darmstadt’s coach, Florian Kohfeldt, who has a deep connection to Bremen. Kohfeldt reflects on his emotional return after being dismissed from Bremen in 2021. Despite his past ties, he aims to lead Darmstadt to victory. Both coaches express ambitions for success, with Kohfeldt’s team showing promise as they strive for promotion, while Bremen seeks to reclaim its status in the Bundesliga.
On Tuesday evening, Bundesliga team Werder Bremen will face off against Darmstadt 98 in the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal. This matchup is particularly poignant for Darmstadt’s coach, Florian Kohfeldt, who has a long-standing history with Bremen.
The night of May 15, 2021, marked a turning point for SV Werder. After a disappointing 0:2 loss to FC Augsburg, the club’s officials convened to address the team’s struggles. Following their eighth defeat in just nine Bundesliga matches, they made the tough decision to part ways with Kohfeldt.
The abrupt dismissal raised eyebrows, especially since then-sports director Frank Baumann expressed confidence in Kohfeldt’s abilities, stating, “We remain convinced that Florian Kohfeldt is an excellent coach.” However, his tenure at Bremen ended after 142 competitive matches, concluding a 20-year journey with the club. The emotional toll was significant, as Kohfeldt later revealed how deeply he felt about leaving his beloved team.
Once celebrated as Germany’s Coach of the Year, Kohfeldt faced a series of challenges during his final days at Werder. Now, he aims to revive his earlier successes at Darmstadt.
Emotional Return to Weserstadion
“At 8:45 PM, a knockout game at the Weserstadion—there are few places I’d prefer to be on a Tuesday evening,” the 42-year-old coach expressed, reminiscing about his time at Bremen. “The atmosphere will stir many emotions within me because I have a deep connection to this stadium and its people,” he added, emphasizing the significance of this match for him.
Kohfeldt’s statements are filled with heartfelt emotion, especially considering his past dismissal. His two decades with the “Green-Whites” have fundamentally shaped his identity as a coach, granting him invaluable opportunities for growth.
Hoping for a Successful Outcome
Returning to Osterdeich for the first time since his departure, Kohfeldt acknowledged the unique nature of this game. “It is a very special match for me,” he stated. “This club is where I spent not only my coaching career but also my playing days, making it my emotional and physical home for a long time.”
However, once the game begins, Kohfeldt’s sentimental feelings will take a backseat. Despite his affection for Werder, he is determined to lead his Darmstadt team to victory and advance to the quarterfinals. “When playing away in Bremen, it’s typically a tough challenge, with Werder winning most of the time,” he said, but he remains optimistic, stating, “Just because it’s nine out of ten doesn’t mean it can’t be ten out of ten.”
Darmstadt’s Resurgence Under Kohfeldt
Kohfeldt’s confidence stems from his impressive record at Darmstadt, where he has only faced defeat once in eleven matches. After taking over a struggling team, he has successfully guided them closer to a promotion spot, just three points away. This improvement could see him returning to Bremen next season, but this time as a Bundesliga side.
Looking Forward to Progress
Before the cup clash, both Kohfeldt and Werder’s coach Ole Werner expressed their aspirations for success. Both are eyeing a trip to Berlin for the final. “Every team in the round of 16 is motivated to go far. We need to give our all, prepare thoroughly, and expect anything,” Werner stated.
Over the past three years, Werner has become deeply integrated into the club, aiming to restore Werder’s ambitions and status. He succeeded Kohfeldt in late November 2021, following a challenging period for the team, which struggled to avoid relegation even after various coaching changes.
Now, there’s a renewed sense of hope for both clubs. Werder has reestablished itself in the top tier, while Kohfeldt is proving his coaching prowess at Darmstadt, reaffirming the belief that he is indeed an excellent coach.
Projected Line-ups:
Werder Bremen: Zetterer – Stark, Friedl, A. Jung – Weiser, Lynen, Stage, Köhn – Njinmah, Schmid – Ducksch
Darmstadt 98: Schuhen – Lopez, Riedel, Vukotic, Nürnberger – Klefisch, A. Müller – P. Förster, Corredor – Lidberg, Hornby
In their latest Bundesliga encounter, Werder Bremen settled for a 2:2 draw against the Swabians in their 111th match.
In an upcoming segment on the NDR Sports Club, a Werder player will discuss his ties to Austria and the familial atmosphere in Bremen.
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Sports Club | 01.12.2024 | 10:50 PM