Do-or-die for Cologne and Werder Bremen
October 19, 2017
Five points and six goals would be a concerning state of affairs for any side after eight games, but the fact that it's the combination of Cologne and Werder Bremen's tallies tells its own tale.
In a telling demonstration of expectations in modern football, Alexander Nouri, the head coach that was hyped up and signed a new contract in the second half of last season, is reportedly under pressure to keep his job after Werder's four draw, four defeat start. Slightly calmer about their head coach but equally concerned about their lack of victories, Cologne are hoping a former Bremen favorite can save them on the weekend.
"Of course I watched the Werder game against Gladbach. I looked to see how they play so I know how to score a goal against them on Sunday," Claudio Pizarro said. The striker enjoyed three spells for Werder, scoring 144 goals in 271 appearances for the northern club. He is the most prolific foreigner in Bundesliga history.
Goodbye Werder, hello Cologne
However, at the end of last season he was deemed surplus to requirements by the northern German side. The Peruvian found himself without a club for so long that it looked like he might call time despite feeling he was fit enough for one more season. Then Cologne came calling and after two substitute appearances in the last two matchdays, Pizarro is ready to start.
"It's a difficult situation for both, which is why I can't have sympathy," said Pizarro, who added he wouldn't celebrate if he scored.
The striker will always have that goal-poaching ability, but after just one goal for Werder Bremen last season, it looks like age might have finally caught up with the Bundesliga legend. On Sunday, Cologne will be hoping to squeeze out the last bit of magic the Peruvian has left, in the hope it can spark their season into life.
Elsewhere on Matchday 9
- Wolfsburg have drawn their first four games under Martin Schmidt. Fans are hoping that will change in the final game of the Matchday at home against Hoffenheim.
- Robert Lewandowski needs two more Bundesliga goals to draw level with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (162).
Matchday 9 fixture list:
RB Leipzig 1-0 Stuttgart (Saturday, 3:30 p.m)
Gladbach 1-5 Leverkusen
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 Borussia Dortmund'
Augsburg 1-2 Hannover
Hamburg vs. Bayern (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Cologne vs. Werder Bremen (Sunday, 1:30 p.m.)
Freiburg vs. Hertha Berlin (3:30 p.m.)
Wolfsburg vs. Hoffenheim (6:00 p.m.)