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Monday, June 01, 2020, 18:21
No time to take a breath in Bremen's nail-biting journey
By Xinhua
Monday, June 01, 2020, 18:21 By Xinhua

Bremen's players are seen prior to the German first division Bundesliga football match SV Werder Bremen v Borussia Moenchengladbach on May 26, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany. (FABIAN BIMMER / POOL / AFP)

BERLIN - Werder Bremen's enthralling story might be an essential reason for millions of fans to praise football's beauty aside from titles and glory.

While the race for the 2020 German title seems a lock for the country's leading side, Bayern Munich, it's the current battle against relegation that's delivering nail-biting moments.

Underdogs unexpectedly returning to life with the finish line in sight, capturing the hearts of the entire fan community. The club, located in the countries far north, might be another example that it is crucial to never surrender.

ALSO READ: Dortmund reap 2-0 win over Bremen in Bundesliga

Seven points from their last three games could turn things around for a team many had already given up on.

Seven points from their last three games could turn things around for a team many had already given up on

Not only Bremen supporters might rub their eyes in disbelief, witnessing the transformation of a once wavering side, close to the edge, turning into a determined team starting to play football with a courageous heart.

It seems to be paying off that the club decided to stick with its coach Florian Kohfeldt while both had been under fire due to a disastrous record of only six victories out of 28 games and having conceived 59 goals.

With two home games ahead, the door for a successful and unexpected rescue mission has opened.

Bremen, at present, stands for an unwritten law for underdog sports teams. Clubs with assumedly less quality can create a particular spirit and close the gap.

Bremen's German head coach Florian Kohfeldt reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 v SV Werder Bremen on May 30, 2020 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. (BERND THISSEN / POOL / AFP)

Football is a mind game, coach Kohfeldt insisted after his side had won a crucial clash against a faithless Schalke 1-0.

Kohfeldt is smart enough not to start celebrating just yet as the 37-year-old is aware the journey is far from over.

Bremen is still under threat to be relegated to the second division after 40 years of Bundesliga participation.

As a matter of fact, a delicate challenge lies ahead.

Facing Eintracht Frankfurt this Wednesday and VfL Wolfsburg in their next two games might sound easier than it is. While Werder have performed satisfyingly in away games (19 points), the side seems a hopeless case at home, having achieved only one victory and three draws (6 points).

Sports director Frank Baumann claims the entire club has been rewarded for its cautious crisis management policy. He suggests being relegated could make way for an unpleasant future, including unforeseeable consequences.

To stay in the Bundesliga is not only a sporting issue for Bremen. It is a serious financial one. The club's happy days are a story of the past, and Baumann announced that the club might have to extend its credit line to survive and apply for support the German government has offered to struggling enterprises in times of the COVID-19 crisis.

READ MORE: Leipzig hammer struggling Bremen 3-0 in Bundesliga

At present, neither fans nor the club's playing staff seem willing to consider a negative outcome. "All of us now know what we are fighting for. We know this is an ongoing issue and there are more challenging chapters waiting," midfielder Davy Klassen commented.

Despite a gloomy outlook, the 2004 German champions seem to be enjoying the moment as the game schedule isn't leaving any time to take a deep breath.

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