Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune sent a personal get-well message to ailing Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany following his side's Bundesliga win at Mainz. Thioune wrote to Kompany, who collapsed during a Bayern U23 training session and was taken to hospital. The 3-2 victory on Saturday 24 October solidified Bremen's position in sixth place with 12 points from seven games.
He said he sent a short message before the match. He added that he had just seen Kompany had already replied, which hopefully showed he was feeling a bit better. The Belgian coach is in stable condition but is expected to remain in hospital for several days.
Solidarity despite sporting rivalry
Thioune stressed that health comes before sporting competition. From his side came only the best wishes, the Werder coach said. They are often opponents, but stick together as coaching colleagues and know that health is their greatest asset. Kompany had previously been sidelined by a virus infection and is now likely to be out for weeks.
The emotional moment almost overshadowed Werder's sporting success. The Weser-side team secured its third win of the season with the result in Mainz, climbing to a place in the upper third of the table. The side is now unbeaten in several matches and holds a record of three wins and three draws from one loss this campaign. Their recent form across the last five matches shows two wins and two draws with one defeat. The match-winner was again Niclas Füllkrug, who contributed two penalties and one open-play goal to the victory. He has now scored in consecutive Bundesliga games and is the team's top scorer this season with six goals in six appearances. Werder has scored 15 goals while conceding 14 so far.
The win was hard-fought. After an early penalty double, Mainz equalised before Bremen went back ahead. The opponent pulled one back again, but Werder held onto the narrow result. This form, which includes a 2-2 draw against leaders Borussia Dortmund, leaves the club just five points off the top. The next task is a home game against 14th-placed 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday 31 October.
This story first appeared at Bild Sport
Mitchell Weiser celebrated his comeback to the starting lineup after 525 days in the 3:2 win in Mainz. Coach Daniel Thioune explained: "He has played well in recent weeks and anyone who returns like this has worked hard for it." Thioune views the 32-year-old as a "complete newcomer" due to his long injury. Weiser played for nearly 60 minutes and ran over eight kilometres. The win solidified Werder Bremen's sixth place in the table with 12 points.
Niclas Füllkrug could start on the bench in the DFB-Pokal match in Dortmund. The Werder striker was exhausted in the 3:2 win in Mainz. Coach Daniel Thioune said, "We want to minimise the risk of absence due to overload." Füllkrug himself stated, "I don't always have to be part of it." A goalkeeper change in favour of Alexander Schlager is also being considered. Werder, currently sixth with 12 points, face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Niclas Füllkrug extended his run of converted penalties to 16 in the 3-2 win in Mainz. The Werder striker received support from a so-called penalty bodyguard. The club confirmed the measure, taken because of 'complete idiots' who disturb players during their run-up. Füllkrug is currently the team's top scorer with eight season goals.
Ahead of the DFB-Pokal match in Dortmund, head coach Daniel Thioune announced an injury. Olivier Deman had problems with a foot tendon and could miss the game against BVB. Thioune said: "There is a risk we won't get him fit in time." All other players are just tired. The coach also has to decide on the goalkeeper and the use of Niclas Füllkrug. Werder, currently sixth with 12 points, wants to progress in the cup. Thioune said: "Maybe we can crash their party."
Coach Daniel Thioune confirmed he will rotate for the DFB-Pokal match in Dortmund. Thioune said: "I want and have to rotate. There will be one or two changes." He did not rule out a start for Niclas Füllkrug but is considering resting the striker. Mitchell Weiser could also be rested after his comeback. The decision in goal between Karl Hein and Alexander Schlager is open. Werder, currently sixth with 12 points, wants to take its chance in Dortmund.
Update, 27 October 2026 Manager Daniel Thioune praised Arthur after the 3-2 win in Mainz. The loan defender was involved in two goals and filled in on the left side. Thioune said: "The next step for him could now be to score a goal." Arthur is set to start in the DFB-Pokal in Dortmund due to Olivier Deman's injury. Mick Schmetgens could start on the right. Werder Bremen, currently sixth with 12 points, face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
