Werder Bremen captain Marco Friedl regrets what he sees as the rampant public reticence of football professionals. “These days, people often only say things that don’t cause problems and that make them completely unassailable,” said the 26-year-old Austrian in an interview with “Kicker”.
“And if you make a statement that deviates from this line, it immediately becomes a big wave that gains momentum incredibly quickly – and that’s why you have to be really careful as a player. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is,” he continued.
Friedl shows insight
After the 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund, the defender and his teammate Marvin Ducksch criticized Werder’s transfer policy and complained about a lack of signings. Werder Bremen’s sporting director Clemens Fritz then reprimanded both players and asked them to come for a meeting.
Friedl then backtracked. “I am also aware that many transfers are not always feasible. That is why it is of course not a wish list from us players – and Clemens is right: We have not lost any regular players and are competitive. That is why I am absolutely satisfied with the squad.”
Friedl had also complained that coach Ole Werner had not supported the team enough in the final phase against BVB. However, the Austrian clarified: “I said clearly that we as a whole team had not found any solutions – but unfortunately that was quickly projected onto the coach,” he said, adding: “But that was never what I meant, and of course it was an unfortunate way of expressing myself at the time.”
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