Werder honors late ex‑manager Willi Lemke
Werder inaugurated the Willi Lemke Plaza at Weser Stadium on August 12, 2024, a tribute to the former manager who led the team from 1981 to 1999. The site sits on the Boule‑Platz and aims to bring supporters together. Werder currently sits 15th in the Bundesliga with 28 points, 7 wins, 7 draws, 15 losses, recent form LLWLW.
Why the opening matters
The former manager served 18 years as club chief, later as board member and chaired the supervisory board from 2005‑2014. His political career as Bremen Senator and UN Secretary‑General’s special sports adviser highlights his impact on both city and club. President Hubertus Hess‑Grunewald notes the Boule‑Platz is an ideal spot to honor Lemke’s legacy.
Who was Willi Lemke?
Willi Lemke, aged 77, passed away on August 12, 2024. Besides his tenure as Werder manager, he was a Bremen Senator from 1999‑2008 and served as UN sports adviser until 2016. His long‑standing presence shaped the club’s infrastructure and sporting direction, now reflected in the new plaza.
What does this mean for the future?
The Willi Lemke Plaza will become a vibrant gathering place for fans attending the stadium. In a season where Werder has scored 32 goals and conceded 52 (‑20 goal difference), such a venue can boost community spirit. The upcoming home match against 1. FC Köln on February 6, 2027 offers a chance to experience the new memorial in action.
