Allofs warns of Vienna threat
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA
Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs has warned his side Austria Vienna will be out to claim a prized German scalp in Thursday's Europa League meeting.
Bremen head to Vienna top of Group L with maximum points from their first two games, while their opponents are bottom of the pool with just one point.
But Allofs is aware the home team will be fired up for the contest.
"Games between German and Austrian teams are always characterised by a special rivalry," he said on the club's official website, www.werder.de.
"The Austrians for the most part sort themselves out in time when they go up against a German team.
"But we will be prepared."
Both sides had started their domestic seasons in impressive fashion - Bremen lie fourth in the Bundesliga, three points off top spot, while Austria are second with only goal difference separating them from leaders Salzburg.
Only Bremen have taken that form into Europe, though, having scored six times in their first two group games.
The hosts are yet to win in the group, but they beat Salzburg 1-0 at the weekend and are yet to lose at home in the league.
And Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf feels they will take the game to the visitors.
"We have studied Austria Vienna closely," he said.
"They have an interesting, strong team, who have only lost twice in the league.
"And although they will be missing their most dangerous strikers in (Rubin) Okotie and (Tomas) Jun, they have beaten the best team in Austria in Salzburg.
"They will not hang around, that is not their way of playing. I reckon they will play with energy and with aggression."
Midfielder Tim Borowski could return for Bremen after three weeks out through injury.
"Tim's range of movements is fully normal again, so it looks good," said Schaaf.
But Daniel Jensen misses out due to lingering shoulder pain, while Hugo Almeida and Sebastian Prodl are both not yet ready to return.
Peter Niemeyer is suspended following his sending-off against Athletic Bilbao.
- Tag:
Photos
More»
Meet sexy model Daniella Chavez
Sunday May 19 2024
Former Barcelona star's Wag reveals incredible 'sex deal'
Sunday May 19 2024
'World Cup's sexiest fan' reveals she WILL be heading...
Saturday May 18 2024
Your Say