Football Season Guide

Werder Bremen were disastrous last season and at times they were so poor that they were even thinking the unthinkable - sacking long-term manager Thomas Schaaf. At times he seemed weary and unable to motivate his players but he somehow managed to coax enough points out of them to avoid relegation. A big improvement will be needed now but the board have at least showed faith in him by giving him a decent transfer budget - indeed, one bigger than he had any right to expect. Papastathopolous and Wolf are crucial additions to the defence given the future of the injured Naldo is uncertain while Ekici should be an excellent creative addition who may fill the gap left by Ozil going to Madrid a whole 12 months ago. Marin will look to improve after a bad season but if Pizarro is not fit, or not scoring for whatever reason, the issue of who provides the goals is a difficult one. Rosenberg returning from loan is an option but fellow Swede Avdic scarcely got off the bench after signing in January and they both need to start finding the net early to give their confidence a much needed boost. Futacs, signed from Ingolstadt, is more likely to be considered one for the future but circumstances may mean he is thrown in earlier than desired. Bremen do have potential to do well but it does not require a huge leap of the imagination to see them struggling and a few opening wins could well make all the difference to their campaign.