Ole Werner nears crunch decision on Werder Bremen future

By SABC Sport
23rd May 2025

Werder Bremen are closing in on a pivotal moment in their contract talks with head coach Ole Werner, with a resolution expected imminently.

The 37-year-old, who has led the club since November 2021, is in the final stages of negotiations to extend his deal beyond its current 2026 expiry.

"We're not at the start of this process, but at the end," Werner said in an interview with DeichStube. "It's crucial for all parties to have clarity soon. Decisions need to be made, and this won't drag on for another three or four weeks."

The Bremen boss has hinted at his openness to staying but stressed that any extension hinges on strategic changes. "It's about implementing the right adjustments in the squad, coaching staff, and support team," he said. "We also need to consider new workflows and fresh ideas to keep pushing forward."

Werder Bremen have shown faith in Werner despite a challenging 2025, where they managed just one win in ten matches, slipping from European contention to 12th in the Bundesliga.

Club director Clemens Fritz has backed the coach, saying, "We're 100 percent convinced by Ole and his work. He's the right coach for us, and we want to continue with him beyond 2026."

Recent updates from X underscore the club's urgency to secure Werner's future. Captain Marco Friedl voiced the squad's support, stating, "The team wants Ole to stay and extend his contract." Meanwhile, sporting director Peter Niemeyer emphasized ongoing analysis, saying, "We're laying all cards on the table. Ole will have the final say."

Since taking charge, Werner has transformed Werder Bremen, guiding them back to the Bundesliga in 2022 and securing 13th and ninth-place finishes in subsequent seasons. With an average of 1.38 points per game across 118 matches, his tenure ranks among the club's most enduring.

As talks reach their climax, Werder Bremen are keen to lock in their visionary coach to steer them through an ambitious future. Fans await the outcome, hopeful that Werner's leadership will continue to shape the Green-Whites' resurgence.