Werder Bremen celebrate Karim Coulibaly’s sensational Bundesliga debut: “An incredible story!” | OneFootball

Werder Bremen’s Karim Couliably proved perhaps the most interesting player on the pitch during Bremen’s sensational 3-3 Bundesliga draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Injuries ravaged the Bremen central defensive corps. As a result, the 18-year-old found himself forced into his first Bundesliga start.

Bremen head coach Horst Steffen expressed confidence in the youngster from the very beginning. The Oldenburg-native – who did demonstrate his potential during Bremen’s pre-season training camp – received a starting XI guarantee from Steffen at a Thursday pre-match press conference.

“We have great confidence in Karim,” Steffen remarked on Thursday. “He is a very good player who is now set to make his starting debut. He is good in one-on-one situations and has a decent height. His build-up play is also outstanding. He is already very composed for his young age. He didn’t let himself get stressed during pre-season and always found solutions. I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”

Coulibaly’s inexperience did initially show against Leverkusen on Saturday. A passing error from the youngster enabled B04 Patrik Schick to open up the scoring already in the 5th-minute. Coulibaly appeared shaky for the duration of the opening 45.

Steffen nevertheless confirmed that he saw no need to have a half-time talk with his teenage talent. In point of fact, Steffen revealed during his post match interview with Sky Germany, there wasn’t much of a need for a half-time team talk at all.

“I don’t have to tell them that I believe in them again at half-time,” Steffen told Sky. “I trust the lads and they know that.“

Bremen emerged from the tunnel trailing 1-2. The game appeared to be over in the 64th minute when Coulibaly’s central defensive partner Niklas Stark was sent off on double-yellows and Schick put the Westphalian guests up 1-3 from the penalty spot.

Coulibaly nevertheless did well working alongside emergency central defender Skelly Alvero. The Hanseaten then fought back to score two shorthanded goals. Coulibaly got his chance to be the hero with the dramatic late 3-3 equalizer at the death.

“It’s an incredible story,” Steffen said of Coulibaly’s amazing redemption arc. “To watch him celebrate in injury time like that. I’m happy for the lad and hopeful that he’ll never forget the experience.”

GGFN | Peter Weis