Werder Bremen vs Hamburger preview - Labbadia confident in Hamburg hopes

Posted Saturday, April 18, 2015 by PA

New Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia is confident of making a winning start to his second spell at the northern Germany club when he leads them to Werder Bremen in the northern Germany derby this Sunday.

Labadia was appointed as Hamburg's fourth coach this season, replacing Peter Knabel after he was in charge for just two games - both defeats.

Those results have left Hamburg at the bottom of the Bundesliga and at serious risk of being relegated for the first time in their history.

What Labbadia has seen in just four games in charge has given him confidence that he is not taking over a lost cause, however.

"We've trained really well, tanked up on energy and we were able to get a bit of peace and quiet to be able to concentrate on preparing Sunday's game," he said at a press conference.

"We're ready and we believe in ourselves. Then we'll see how we cope in the game.

"Everybody on the field must take responsibility and know what they can do for the team."

That includes Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who has scored only two all season, Valon Behrami, who was involved in a training ground scuffle with Johan Djourou, and Rafael van der Vaart, whom Labbadia "expects to show his best football".

"We need something to celebrate," Labbadia added.

It could not come much harder for Hamburg than a northern derby, however, with Werder Bremen keen not only on the local pride, but a win which could boost their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.

"I expect us to win," said coach Viktor Skripnik. "We lost last week against a side from the bottom and that must not happen again."