Werder Bremen manager Ole Werner says Niclas Fullkrug needs time to rediscover his best form, but believes the striker will start scoring again once his confidence and sharpness return.
Fullkrug’s involvement in Werder Bremen’s first home match of the season remains uncertain, with the club preparing to face RB Leipzig on Saturday. Werner has not committed to selecting the forward, stressing that he will make his decision according to the player’s condition and the performances of the alternatives available to him.
“We know his potential and his quality. When that returns, he will score,” Werner said.
The coach also indicated that Fullkrug may be rested if that is considered the better option for his recovery. “If I feel it’s better to give him a rest, I will do so. Especially when the other options are performing well.”
Werner added that his main objective is to help Fullkrug rebuild his form by giving him the appropriate amount of regular football.
“My priority is to help him regain his form through regular playing time,” he said.
Fullkrug began Werder Bremen’s opening league fixture against Freiburg but was taken off after 60 minutes as his side suffered a 4-1 defeat. That result leaves the forward looking to regain his rhythm at the start of the new campaign, while Werner must decide whether another appearance would help him progress or whether a period of rest would be more beneficial.
The striker remains a popular figure at the Weserstadion, where he established himself as a fan favourite before developing into a Germany international and the Bundesliga’s top scorer. His rise at Werder Bremen made him one of the club’s most important attacking players, but his recent progress has been affected by a lack of regular playing time.
Fullkrug has spent the past two years with West Ham United and AC Milan. His return to Werder Bremen has therefore come after a period in which consistent opportunities have been limited, leaving him still short of the playing time required to regain his previous level.
Werner’s comments suggest that Werder Bremen are focused on managing Fullkrug’s return carefully rather than placing immediate pressure on him to reproduce his best performances. The coach continues to trust the striker’s ability, while also making clear that selection will depend on his condition and the form of the other attacking options.
The match against RB Leipzig will provide the next opportunity for Fullkrug to build his fitness and sharpness, although it remains unclear whether he will start, appear from the bench or be left out of the squad.
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