Werner: "I’ll definitely watch all the games involving our lads" | OneFootball

Most football fans have that one World Cup memory that pulls them back every four years in summer – into stadiums, fan zones or in front of the TV with friends, a beer and a bratwurst. Ole Werner has one of those moments too. During our post-season tour in South Africa, we spoke to the RBL head coach about his personal World Cup memories – and the summer that has stayed with him more than any other.

“That was the 1994 World Cup quarter-final between Bulgaria and Germany (2-1, ed.). It was my cousin’s birthday. As kids, we were desperate to watch it, but we were only allowed in front of the TV every now and then, even though the game was on in the afternoon,” recalls Ole, who also remembers Roberto Baggio’s missed penalty in the final between Brazil and Italy, which Brazil won 3-2 on penalties.

For the RBL head coach, though, his strongest memory is the same as it is for many Germans: the 2006 World Cup on home soil. For Ole, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa comes in just behind it. “That was a brilliant summer, with amazing weather in Germany and some great games – partly because there was no time difference,” Ole looks back fondly.

Werner will be keeping a close eye on the RBL players

Speaking of time differences, that is a big topic for many viewers this year. With the World Cup featuring 48 nations for the first time and 104 games across four time zones, watching lots of matches – or even all of them – will take some serious planning and logistical skill.

Ole reveals his approach: “I’ll watch pretty much all of the most important games from the knockout rounds onwards. In the group stage, there will definitely be the odd one you skip.”

But Ole has no intention of missing the games involving our World Cup players, even if Austria, with Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager, kick off against Algeria at 04:00 CEST. “I’ll set an alarm for that. I’ll definitely watch all the games involving our lads.”

Raumi takes on Yan – Nusa part of Norway’s 'Golden Generation'

Werner can at least look forward to Champions League-style kick-off times when Germany face Ivory Coast at 22:00 CEST on 20th June. That game will bring an all-RBL duel between David Raum and Yan Diomande.

Our head coach believes Germany can expect “their toughest group game and a tight match” on Matchday 2. He feels winger Yan Diomande in particular can hurt any team, including Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Even so, Ole says: “I see Germany as favourites and think they’ll win.”

For the 38-year-old, Germany are also among the contenders to win the World Cup. “They’re a team with lots of experience and individual quality. Germany have repeatedly managed to improve as a tournament goes on, even if they’re not the top favourites.”

Norway could emerge as something of a dark horse, with Antonio Nusa joined in the squad by former RBL striker Alexander Sørloth and goal machine Erling Haaland. “Norway definitely have something like a ‘Golden Generation’. These are players operating at the very highest level.” Later on, Ole also reveals his pick to win the World Cup.

What Ole Werner told RBL's World Cup players

Despite all the competition and the battle for the trophy, one thing matters to Ole Werner above all else: “I told the players: ‘Come back as late as possible, and above all come back healthy’. I’ve experienced that we benefit when players return from international duty with a good feeling.”

In the best-case scenario, then, the Red Bulls will go through the first one or two weeks after the first public training session on 13th July without Raumi and Co. That would mean exciting late-night football, a longer tournament run and major success for the RBL stars. And in a few years’ time, the thing we might remember most is the dark circles under our eyes...

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