Marco Friedl lost the internal duel for a starting spot in Austria's national team defense. The Werder Bremen defender was beaten out by his competitor Philipp Lienhart for the recent Nations League matches, as reported by broadcaster Sky Austria.
The competition between Friedl and Lienhart was a central topic in the Austrian squad ahead of the latest international window. Coach Ralf Rangnick had called up both players and had to choose a partner for the established Kevin Danso. The decision ultimately went in favor of SC Freiburg's Lienhart, who started both games. Friedl, in contrast, did not see any playing time.
What is Friedl's status at Werder Bremen?
At Werder Bremen, Marco Friedl is a mainstay in defense. The 27-year-old has started all four Bundesliga matches this season, averaging over 90 minutes on the pitch. His stability is a key factor for the Green-Whites. The current league standings can be viewed on our standings page.
Friedl has been under contract at Werder since 2017, developing from a prospect into a captain and key player. His current deal runs until June 30, 2027. Last season, he made 29 appearances, making him one of the team's most frequently used players.
What does this mean for the national team?
The decision by team boss Rangnick highlights the strong competition in Austria's defensive center. With Kevin Danso (RC Lens), Philipp Lienhart, and Marco Friedl, three Bundesliga-established center-backs are available. For Friedl, being overlooked means he has been set back in the race for a starting role in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Austria's next official matches are not until November in the Nations League. Until then, Friedl has the chance to put himself back in the spotlight through consistent performances for Werder Bremen. The upcoming Bundesliga fixtures are therefore particularly important for him.
What are Werder's current statistics?
Werder Bremen made a solid start to the 2026/27 season, taking seven points from the first four matches. The defense featuring Marco Friedl conceded seven goals. Individual player data for Werder can be found on our stats page.
The team under coach Ole Werner relies on a mix of experienced players like Friedl and young talents. The squad currently consists of 31 players, detailed on the squad page. Friedl and his teammates' next challenge is the away match at 1. FC Köln on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
