Bruchwegstadion: Home of Mainz(credit:
Wikipedia)
A defeat at Mainz today will not spell the end for Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf, according to director of sport Klaus Allofs.
Bremen are surprisingly languishing in 15th place in the Bundesliga, just three points above the relegation zone, having won only six games all season long.
Reports this week claimed the club had held talks with former FC Schalke 04 and Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick about the manager’s position, but Allofs claims Schaaf has the board’s full backing.
He told Kreiszeitung Syke: “I have neither spoken to Rangnick nor met him. There is no contact with Rangnick nor any other coach, and I can say that with 100% conviction for myself and also my colleagues Klaus-Dieter Fischer and Klaus Filbry.
“There is absolutely no foundation to it and it is totally disrespectful.
“We have a very good coach who continues to enjoy our full faith. How hypocritical would it be to show your faith in a coach and then suddenly delve into the cupboard to pull out a pre-prepared plan B?
“We are prepared for a lot of things, but not for things which could lie in the distant future.”
Werder Bremen have lost their last two Bundesliga outings, with the most recent a 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Mainz edged Kaiserslaurern 1-0 last time out.
Watch Mainz v Werder Bremen live at bet365, kicking off at 14.30 GMT.