"We believe in ourselves" – Ole Werner ahead of #RBLFCB

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·16. Januar 2026

"We believe in ourselves" – Ole Werner ahead of #RBLFCB

Ahead of Saturday's primetime clash with FC Bayern München at the Red Bull Arena, head coach Ole Werner spoke to the media about his side's preparations and which players are available for the clash.

Squad news:

Johan Bakayoko continues to work individually due to a muscle issue and is not an option for Saturday's game
Lukas Klostermann will also miss the match against Bayern (illness).
Assan Ouédraogo is set to miss the game against FC Bayern due to a knee problem.
Viggo Gebel (ACL) remains sidelined.
Benjamin Henrichs will return to the matchday squad against FC Bayern.

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The start to the second half of the season:

"First and foremost, it's about us posing a different challenge for the opponent. I think that we're further along as a team. We want to show that we've grown as a team in several areas. The first half of the season is behind us, we still have a game in hand and are in third place; we're firmly in the running for the spots that we're aiming for. Given the rebuild over the summer and the way we started the season, this was anything other than a given. We now want to continue where we left off and, if possible, pick up more points than we ended the first half of the season with."

Suleman Sani:

"I think that as of next week most likely, we will have a player available to us that embodies a lot of the qualities that are important for the way we play. He's physical and is able to make deep runs, in addition to being able to play on both wings and bringing pace to the pitch. He's willing to learn and was very receptive to what we spoke about during his first days here. At the same time, he's extremely young and this is his first time playing at a high level, so we will also need to give him some time. He's part of our plans for the future."

What's needed against Bayern:

"Bayern are still one of the toughest opponents in the Bundesliga. When you're up against a top team like that, then you need to be able to deliver a top performance in all areas of the game. We will need to defend well and put pressure on the ball across the pitch. The way you work off the ball against Bayern is always key. As a team, we will need to be willing to suffer at time, because our opponents are good at keeping the ball under control and know how to play together. It's also important to still try to play and find spaces to exploit. In order to do that, you need to be well-positioned, clear in your communication and also have confidence in your own abilities to get the ball deep, in addition to trusting in your own strengths. That last point is something that we have been able to draw a lot of confidence from over the last six months. We now want to build on it even more and believe that we can do just that."

Benny Henrichs' return to the matchday squad:

"Benny Henrichs will be part of our matchday squad. He's worked hard over the last months and has always persisted. He's now also made a strong impression in training and has therefore earned it to be back with the team. We're delighted to have him back with us. Benny's main position is at right-back. He's good a good sense of positioning, is calm under pressure and can read the game. He's also an option to play in a more central position, in my opinion. I'm also seen him play as a defensive midfelder before, so it wouldn't be anything new for him. I know what his main position is, but at the same time, it's good to have a player who can also feature at a different position."

Kevin Kampl's farewell:

"I'm obviously pleased for him to be receiving a farewell ahead of a game like that. I think that he deserves it, given how long he's been here. He's one of the players who have helped shape this club, and has been a part of the club's history. I only knew him for six months, but it was clear to see from the start how important he was within the team. He's someone that serves to connect others. We will greatly miss him in this role. With Kevko's departure, we're losing a player that made a large impact here."