Werder Bremen pulled off a surprising 3-1 home victory against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday with a heavily rebuilt starting eleven. According to a report by Get German Football News, head coach Daniel Thioune fielded seven players who had either recently arrived or just returned to the club.
Eren Dinkçi opened the scoring in the 4th minute, Niclas Füllkrug added a second in the 68th, and Marco Grüll made it 3-0 before Ridle Baku's late consolation. The win came after a 4-1 defeat in Freiburg and despite long-term injuries to top scorer Jens Stage and Justin Njinmah.
How did the new midfield perform?
The entirely new midfield trio of Chuki, Ludovit Reis and loan signing Youri Regeer from Ajax was the most remarkable feature of the lineup. Thioune stated the three had effectively known each other for only three days. Yet, their coordination worked from the start. The early goal came from a high press and a precise through ball from Chuki to Dinkçi.
"I think the midfield in particular demonstrated how they can work together in a balanced fashion," Thioune said after the match. "These are lads on the pitch who have only known each other for three days." Bremen have made 14 new signings this season and sit in a mid-table position in the standings following this result.
What was the impact of the returning players?
Eren Dinkçi and Niclas Füllkrug provided an emotional edge to the victory. Dinkçi, back in his hometown, scored with his first touch and kissed the Werder badge. Füllkrug converted a Grüll corner for the second goal, celebrating his first Bundesliga strike since returning to the Weserstadion.
"It's difficult for Leipzig to man-mark me," the 33-year-old striker told DAZN. "I knew that I would score." Füllkrug's experience is vital in a young squad, whose complete squad list has changed dramatically in recent weeks.
How did Bremen achieve quick integration?
Thioune credited focused, closed-door training sessions for the team's performance. "We locked ourselves away and focused on this opponent," he explained. Five of the seven new starters had not even been part of pre-season. The coach still asked for patience. "It's justified for me to ask for time," Thioune said, adding that such performances need to become regular.
The injuries to Stage and Njinmah forced Werder into late moves before the transfer deadline. Alongside Regeer, Arthur from Bayer Leverkusen was signed as the final addition. Both made their immediate debuts in the starting lineup. The current injuries list remains a challenge with the two long-term absentees.
Thioune concluded his press conference by referencing the club's upcoming "family day". He stressed the cohesion of the "Werder family" during tough periods. The next test for the new-look team comes next weekend, as Werder Bremen face an away trip in the fixtures schedule.
