Werder Bremen’s Tactical Renaissance Under Ole Werner: In-Depth Analysis of the 2022-23 Bundesliga Campaign
Promising Bundesliga Return: Overview of Werder Bremen’s Start
Werder Bremen’s 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign has defied expectations, marking a dramatic turnaround for the newly promoted club. Under the guidance of Ole Werner—the youngest manager in Germany’s top flight—Bremen secured 21 points from their first 15 matches. For a team many predicted would be embroiled in a relegation battle, this strong start signals not only survival but the potential for a solid top-half finish.
The club’s impressive recruitment strategy was central to this success. During the summer transfer window, Bremen brought in seven players for less than £5 million combined. These smart acquisitions helped the team quickly adapt to the demands of Bundesliga football, providing Werner with the depth and flexibility required to compete at a higher level.
Formation and Team Structure: Embracing the 3-1-4-2
A pivotal factor in Bremen’s resurgence is Ole Werner’s commitment to a 3-1-4-2 formation. This shape, which Bremen had started using during their time in the 2. Bundesliga, lays the foundation for both their defensive stability and attacking directness.
Five of the team’s new signings have established themselves as regulars, with four logging over 10 league appearances each. Mitchell Weiser, operating as right wing-back, has been a standout performer with six assists in 15 games, demonstrating remarkable attacking output. On the opposite flank, Anthony Jung has mirrored his contributions from the previous season, proving vital on both ends of the pitch.
In defense, Bremen relies on a back three composed of disciplined, versatile stoppers. Milos Veljkovic anchors the line alongside rotating options such as Niklas Stark, Marco Friedl, and Amos Pieper—all repurposed by Werner into roles that fit his tactical vision. Behind them, Jiří Pavlenka, Bremen’s longstanding goalkeeper, delivers consistency, maintaining a 68% save rate despite the team allowing 27 goals—more than any other team in the top half at this stage.
The midfield is orchestrated primarily by Romano Schmid, Ilia Gruev, and Christian Groß. Groß, another player thriving in a new role, acts as the pivot, providing defensive coverage and facilitating transitions. Captain Leonardo Bittencourt, when available, adds creativity and link-up play to support the attacking duo up front.
In attack, the striking partnership of Marvin Ducksch and Niclas Füllkrug has driven the team’s offensive output. Füllkrug, in particular, has been exceptional—already poised among the league’s top scorers—while Ducksch’s movement and ability to drift wide create opportunities for teammates.
Build-Up Play: Directness with Tactical Flexibility
Werder Bremen typically initiate possession in a unique 3-3-2-2 structure. This setup keeps the back three close together, allowing them to patiently cycle the ball, while wing-backs push forward to create width. Jung often holds a slightly deeper position compared to Weiser, facilitating a staggered “3+1” pattern during early phases of build-up.
One of Gruev or Groß operates as the single pivot in midfield, while Schmid or Bittencourt—recognized for their creativity—position themselves closer to the forward pair, enabling quick passing combinations through central areas. Bremen’s flexibility in midfield movement makes it difficult for opponents to track runs and disrupt play progression.
However, Bremen frequently bypass midfield altogether by opting for direct, long balls to their strikers. Only one team, Bochum, attempts more long passes per game than Bremen’s average of 74. Importantly, their center-backs maintain a completion rate above 60% for these balls, maximizing the effectiveness of Füllkrug’s aerial ability and Ducksch’s physical presence. This direct style not only offers a rapid outlet under pressure but also supports Bremen’s high-tempo transitions.
Mitchell Weiser excels at exploiting these moments, surging forward to stretch the opposition’s defense. The ability of midfielders—especially Schmid and Bittencourt—to shift wide and interchange positions fosters second-ball dominance and helps Bremen retain possession in advanced areas.
Offensive Approach: Speed, Crossing, and Combination Play
Werder Bremen’s attacking philosophy revolves around direct, vertical movement and swift utilization of their striking partnership. Both Füllkrug and Ducksch are highly effective with their backs to goal and thrive in close combination play, often supported by overloading runs from the wing-backs.
The reliance on crossing is evident, yet it’s Ducksch, not the wing-backs, who leads the team in crosses attempted per 90 minutes. This fluidity in attack helps Bremen compensate for the absence of a traditional playmaking number 10, as the wing-backs and midfielders seamlessly rotate into advanced positions.
Quick transitions are a hallmark of Bremen’s attack. The team excels on the counter, with nearly 57% of their counter-attacks resulting in shots—well above the Bundesliga average of 49%. Their efficiency is further highlighted by strong crossing accuracy and the ability to escape opposition offside traps, keeping opposing defenses under constant pressure.
Key features of Bremen’s offensive strategy include:
– Twin strikers who offer both target and link-up play.
– Progressive wing-backs engaging as auxiliary attackers.
– Midfielders tasked with supporting transitions and second balls.
– Emphasis on direct balls and rapid tempo rather than extended patient build-up.
Defensive Organization: Aggression and Pressing Intensity
While Bremen have struggled with goals conceded compared to other top-half teams, much of their defensive strength lies in disciplined structure and intensity. Werner deploys different defensive systems depending on the match scenario, often switching between a 5-2-1-2, 5-2-3, or a more compact 5-3-2 as needed.
The first line of defense is typically led by the attacking midfielders, who join the strikers to press high and disrupt the opposition’s buildup. This aggressive, man-oriented pressing has resulted in Bremen being among the Bundesliga’s best at regaining possession in the middle third—second only to Borussia Dortmund in tackles won there.
However, Bremen’s aggressive defensive line can occasionally be exploited by teams with fluid attacking rotations, as seen in heavy defeats to clubs like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. The wing-backs’ advanced starting positions can create vulnerabilities on the flanks, forcing slower central defenders to cover wide areas and leaving gaps centrally.
Still, Bremen force opponents into less threatening shooting positions, with only 37% of shots against them being on target (compared to the league average of 44%). Their pressing intensity is illustrated by allowing fewer than 10 passes per defensive action, one of the lowest rates in the league. Quick compression around the ball during counter-pressing phases further aids defensive stability and transitions.
The defensive approach is summarized by:
– Flexible structures that adjust to opponent strengths.
– High pressing and midfield aggression.
– Counter-pressing immediately upon losing possession.
– Prioritizing compactness but managing vulnerabilities in wide areas.
Conclusion: Bremen’s Foundation for Bundesliga Success
Ole Werner’s tenure at Werder Bremen has proven to be transformative. Through tactical clarity, astute transfers, and the successful integration of promising signings, Bremen have positioned themselves as a formidable force in the Bundesliga. Their blend of defensive grit, direct attacking transitions, and cohesive team structure provide a platform for sustainable success.
Challenges remain—particularly in tightening their defensive record and adapting to teams with dynamic movement—but the foundations are solid. If Bremen continue to develop under Werner’s guidance, they have every reason to aim beyond mere survival and strive for consistent success in Germany’s top division.
