Ole Werner, who spent 15 years at Holstein Kiel, now leads Werder Bremen and faces his former club in an upcoming Bundesliga match. Despite the emotional ties, he focuses on the present and the challenges ahead. Both teams are on different trajectories, with Kiel having recently achieved promotion under Marcel Rapp. After a tough loss, Werner remains hopeful, aiming for a turnaround as Bremen looks to match Kiel’s recent success.
Ole Werner’s Journey from Holstein Kiel to Werder Bremen
For 15 years, Ole Werner dedicated himself to Holstein Kiel, culminating in his role as head coach until 2021. This weekend, he faces his former club as the head coach of Werder Bremen, but it’s not a match that excites him – it’s just another day at the office.
True to his composed nature, the North German tactician addressed the upcoming Bundesliga clash with his usual calm demeanor. On Saturday at 15:30, KSV Holstein, a club that has significantly influenced his career, will visit the Weser Stadium. It’s a game that holds special meaning for many, yet Werner approaches it with a professional mindset.
Time for Reflection and New Challenges
“I have a strong connection to the club,” he stated, “but it’s been over three years since my time there, and I prefer to focus on the present rather than dwell on the past.” The 36-year-old coach emphasized that in the world of football, encountering former clubs is part of the job.
Ole Werner’s impact on Holstein Kiel is undeniable. He was at the helm until September 2021, and during his tenure, the club saw significant achievements, particularly in the second division from September 2019 to his departure. Current Holstein coach Marcel Rapp acknowledged Werner’s contributions, stating, “His management was crucial for our development, and I have built upon the strong relationships he established.” However, Rapp believes it’s time for a new chapter for both clubs.
As the two coaches meet again, this time in the Bundesliga, the stakes are high. Rapp recalls their previous encounter when Kiel edged out Bremen 3:2, hindering Werder’s promotion ambitions. Now, both teams are in different phases, with Rapp noting, “Ole has a clear plan for his team, which combines solid processes with individual talent.”
After Werner’s departure from Kiel, Rapp took over and led the team to Bundesliga promotion, a feat that eluded Werner. Meanwhile, Werner took the reins at Bremen and quickly proved his capability, guiding them from a mid-table position to second place in the 2021/22 season, earning their return to the Bundesliga.
Despite the recent setback in Mönchengladbach, where Bremen faced a heavy 1:4 defeat, Werner maintains a steady composure. “We need to improve our performance and match our opponents’ intensity,” he remarked after the game. Yet, he remains optimistic, reinforcing that they still have plenty of determination to turn their fortunes around.
As the Bremen squad looks to bounce back, they aim to replicate Holstein’s recent success, particularly after Rapp’s team achieved their first Bundesliga win last week. With both clubs striving for success, the upcoming match promises to be an exciting chapter in their ongoing rivalry.