SVWW narrow defeat to Champions in season finale
Pros |
SVWW have more than just an English week coming up; they have three finals in store. The next challenge comes on the evening of Tuesday 16 June, when they play host to 1. FC Nuremberg. Kick-off at the BRITA-Arena will be at 18:30 CET. As per usual, we've summarised the most important statements from head coach Rüdiger Rehm below.
Personnel matters: SVWW will be without the suspended Paterson Chato for the visit of Nuremberg, while Niklas Dams is doubtful with an ankle injury. "As for Sebastian Mrowca, I have a very good feeling," said the head coach when he was asked whether his captain would be available.
Scenario: The away victory over Holstein Kiel was immensely important – not only in terms of points but on a mental level too. The weekend showed us that picking up points is in our hands," declared Rehm, who continued: "We must concentrate solely on ourselves; that's what we can influence." Rehm believes the attitude, passion, tough tackling and hard running on show in Kiel were brilliant. SVWW now want to go up another level against FCN.
Outlook: The SVWW coach is expecting a "very heated match". Both teams have a lot to play for. "Tomorrow we have our next big opportunity to win a match and pick up three points. That's our objective, even though we know that we'll be going up against an opponent that has a high level of individual quality," said Rehm, before adding: "We've made up the ground, which means that we can strike back again. That's what we want to do tomorrow."
The opposition: FCN currently occupy the relegation play-off place with 33 points. "Nuremberg are still above us, but we want to leapfrog them tomorrow," said Rüdiger Rehm at the press conference. Having come down from the Bundesliga, the Franconians were not expecting another relegation battle – and the pressure on their shoulders only increased after the 1-0 derby defeat to Fürth last weekend. Jens Keller's charges have not tasted victory since Matchday 24, when they beat Karlsruher SC. Since then, Nuremberg have been involved in three draws and four defeats.
Team spirit and fans: SVWW have already demonstrated on several occasions this season that they always bounce back from setbacks. That's predominantly attributable to the good team spirit. "We're a committed bunch. We go through thick and thin together." The fans have been hugely important for Schäffler & Co. since the start of the season too. "Even when we were bottom of the table, we had unbelievable support. That's hugely important. We might not have a large mass of fans, but we have very, very loyal fans."
Man of the Match: As always, you have the opportunity to vote for your Man of the Match. Simply cast your vote in the Match Centre on the SVWW website anytime between kick-off and midnight on the day of the game and win a shirt signed by the Man of the Match!