Ole Werner on his return to Bremen | OneFootball

Ole Werner will likely have mixed feelings as he revisits Bremen's Weserstadion for the first time in almost a year. Much will feel familiar to our head coach, yet so different at the same time. The place he spent his formative coaching years now sees him make his return, but this time with an opposing side.

Ole isn't dwelling on it, though. His focus is fully on the game ahead.

Controlling emotions

There won't be any room for sentiment on Saturday, as Bremen are an in-form side on a run of three wins in four games. "My feelings aren't important," stated our head coach matter-of-factly in his pre-match press conference. "In my experience, on matchdays, you focus solely on your own team."

However, it is clear that Saturday's game will be like no other for Ole. "Of course, it's something special to return to your old stomping ground for the first time," he said.

What sort of reception is he expecting? Applause? Boos? Both? Ole takes it all in his stride: "Those who boo, will boo. Those who are happy, will be happy." 

Lasting memories

Ole spent three and a half years on the sidelines at Werder Bremen and managed a total of 128 competitive matches. In his very first season (2021/22), he led Bremen back to the Bundesliga, subsequently re-establishing the club in the top flight and almost taking them to Europe.

"I had a wonderful and intense three and a half years in Bremen. I felt very comfortable there," said Ole. When asked about his main highlight from his time there, he answered immediately: "Definitely the promotion."

Formative years

His time on the Weser wasn't just significant in a sporting sense, but also on a personal level. His first coaching job away from the area in which he grew up in saw him step out of his comfort zone. "It was my first time working away from my hometown club as a coach. I had to prove myself at a new level for the first time," he recalled. "That really changed me as a person."

It's not just memories he has from his time on the Weser, but also relationships. The 37-year-old is still in contact with many of his friends and former colleagues in Bremen.

A look ahead

In the fast-paced world of football, a year feels like an eternity. "A year is a long time, because a lot happens," said Ole. "That's why it feels like such a long time ago," he explained, referring to his time in Bremen.

Perhaps his feelings would be different, had he taken a break after leaving Bremen. "Then everything would probably feel much closer," he said. That didn't happen, though, as he joined RB Leipzig and took on a new challenge immediately.

The life of a head coach demands complete, round-the-clock dedication. "You have to put all of your energy into taking on a new challenge - it's 24 hours a day," he explained. Naturally, the past then gets put to the back of the mind.

One thing is certain, though: The past will not be forgotten. 

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