Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt - Werder Bremen players calm ahead of Bundesliga relegation decider, says coach

Posted Friday, May 13, 2016 by PA

Werder Bremen coach Viktor Skripnik says his team are heading into their relegation decider with Eintracht Frankfurt this Saturday in a good frame of mind.

Bremen welcome Frankfurt to the Weserstadion knowing a win would see them avoid relegation to the second tier.

A draw would most likely see them finish 16th and face a play-off with Nurnberg for a place in the top flight next season whereas defeat could see them drop behind Stuttgart and be relegated automatically.

Ahead of such an important fixture, Skripnik has reported a "good atmosphere" within the squad.

"We're not too relaxed, but we're not too tense either," he told the German media at a press conference.

"We're cool. We have enough strength for a game that we want to win."

The fans can play their part too, with Skripnik saying that "every player and coach dreams of such an atmosphere" as the one provided by a sell-out Weserstadion.

"And that is why we want to give them something back," he added.

While Claudio Pizarro has been passed fit for the hosts, Frankfurt's biggest danger man Alexander Meier could be set for a return after almost three months out with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old has scored 12 goals in 19 games for the Eagles this season and it was certainly a boost for them to see him back in training since Tuesday.

"He's an extremely good player and he's enormously important to his team-mates," said Skripnik.

"But we are going to be ready, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute."

Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac has yet to make up his mind about that, especially since he knows he needs 11 fully-fit players to get the point they need to be sure of staying up.

"It's important that we run, fight and do our jobs," he said at a press conference.

"The system we play is irrelevant - we've just got to keep our cool."

In addition to deciding whether or not Meier is ready for a return, Kovac must find a replacement for Szabolcs Huszti, who is suspended.

Marc Stendera is likely to take his place in the most important game of both teams' season as they stand 90 minutes away from safety, relegation or a relegation play-off.