Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt preview - Schaaf set for Bremen return

Posted Friday, May 01, 2015 by PA

All eyes will be on Thomas Schaaf this Saturday as he makes his first return to the Weserstadion to sit on the away team's bench with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 54-year-old spent 41 years of his career as a player and then coach at Werder Bremen.

On Saturday, he returns to the club for the first time since resigning in 2013, with a new job to do despite the inevitable emotions.

"Of course I'm looking forward to my return and to seeing many people again, but it's not about me doing some kind of tour and saying hello to everybody," Schaaf said. "It's about being successful with Eintracht."

The emotions will be kept in check by the home team too since only three points separate Bremen from sixth place and the chance to play in next season's Europa League, and that is more important than nostalgia, even if there will be time for that before and afterwards.

"I'm sure the fans are looking forward to seeing him in the Weserstadion again," said Bremen defender Philipp Bargfrede.

"They can celebrate him before and after the match, but we need them during it.

"If we want to go any higher, then we need the points, especially here at home."

Bargfrede also has "fond memories" of Schaaf's time at the club, saying that it was "he who launched my career, putting his faith in me".

"I do have a lot to thank him for," added Bargfrede, who will pass on those thanks only after the final whistle in what is set to be an emotional occasion with high stakes all round.