Werder Bremen captain Marco Friedl has highlighted the important role of Heiko Herrlich in his development in a new club podcast. The defender spoke in the episode released on August 25, 2026, calling the former coach a fortunate turn in his career.
Friedl stated, "Luckily, Heiko Herrlich came." The 28-year-old was referring to 2019, when Herrlich brought him from Bayern Munich to Bremen. The then Werder manager placed early trust in the young Austrian and built him into a regular starter.
How did Herrlich shape Friedl's career?
Under Heiko Herrlich, Marco Friedl made his first consistent appearances in the Bundesliga. The coach trusted him despite his youth and during the difficult relegation season of 2020/21. This period established Friedl as a reliable centre-back and laid the foundation for his later role as team captain. Today, the defender is a mainstay in the squad and wears the armband. His current contract with Werder Bremen runs until June 30, 2027.
What is Friedl's role in the current Werder team?
In the ongoing 2026/27 season, Marco Friedl is a central pillar of coach Ole Werner's defence. He often forms the centre-back partnership with Milos Veljkovic or Niklas Stark. Friedl has already played seven Bundesliga matches, featuring for every minute. His physical presence and leadership qualities are highly valuable for the team. The current league table and further individual stats can be found on our stats page.
What are the next challenges for Werder?
The team is preparing for the upcoming Bundesliga fixture. The schedule is busy, and the forthcoming matches will test the entire defence led by Friedl. The exact dates for the next competitive games are listed in the fixtures calendar. The captain's experience will be key for consistent performances in the second half of the season.
Marco Friedl has made over 150 Bundesliga appearances for Werder Bremen. His journey from prospect to leader is closely tied to Heiko Herrlich's decision. Werder's next home match at the Weserstadion is scheduled for September 20, 2026.
