Werder Bremen’s pre-season checks, from Mbangula to the number nine decision and build-up risks | OneFootball

Werder Bremen step up pre-season on Saturday with a doubleheader against fellow Bundesliga outfit SC Paderborn. With the campaign near, it should hint at readiness.

According to BuLi News, three threads stand out, Samuel Mbangula’s possible revival, the number nine race, and playing out from the back.

Mbangula arrived with hype and a fee above 10 million after his Juventus breakthrough. Early flashes faded amid a survival fight under Horst Steffen, but he scored against Energie Cottbus last week with a low finish. Thioune is tasked with adding threat, and Mbangula could be central if he builds on that.

Up front, last season’s lack of a dependable centre forward lingered. Victor Boniface’s loan faltered, Keke Topp looked short, and Marco Grull plus Justin Njinmah were used centrally. Cedric Itten has joined on a free, a Switzerland World Cup forward yet not a proven top-flight scorer.

Academy product Salim Musah is his main rival, having netted his first Bundesliga goal against RB Leipzig and produced a goal and assist last weekend. It feels a toss up for opening day, with Musah in form and Itten offering know-how, and these outings could even sway it.

Thioune also wants composure in the build-up. A recent friendly showed the risk when new number one Karl Hein played short under pressure and the opener was conceded.

Paderborn should provide a sharper press, and with competitive action close, repeated stumbles might force a rethink. Supporters value a goalkeeper good with his feet, but cheap concessions would not be tolerated.

Source: BuLi News

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”