Werder Bremen coach Ole Werner believes Niclas Fullkrug can return to his best, but says the striker may need more time and regular football before he is ready to produce consistently. Werner has not confirmed whether Fullkrug will start Werder Bremen’s first home match of the season against RB Leipzig on Saturday.
“We know his potential and his quality. When that returns, he will score,” Werner said ahead of the Bundesliga fixture.
Fullkrug began the campaign in the starting line-up during Werder Bremen’s opening league match, a 4-1 defeat by Freiburg. However, the Germany international was replaced after 60 minutes as his side suffered a difficult start to the season.
Werner said he would decide on Fullkrug’s involvement according to the player’s condition and the performances of the alternatives available to him.
“If I feel it’s better to give him a rest, I will do so. Especially when the other options are performing well,” he said.
The Werder Bremen manager added that his priority was to help Fullkrug rebuild his sharpness through competitive action.
“My priority is to help him regain his form through regular playing time,” Werner said.
Fullkrug became a favourite with the Werder Bremen supporters during his time at Weserstadion, where he developed into a Germany international and finished as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer. His progress in Bremen established him as one of the division’s most effective forwards.
The striker has since spent two years playing for West Ham United and AC Milan, although he has yet to secure an extended run of matches. That lack of regular playing time means Werner is continuing to manage his return to full form rather than committing to an immediate starting role.
Saturday’s meeting with RB Leipzig will therefore provide another test for both Fullkrug and Werder Bremen. Werner has made clear that the forward remains an important part of his plans, while also stressing that selection will depend on whether Fullkrug or another attacking option is best prepared to contribute.
The result against Freiburg has increased the importance of a positive response in Werder Bremen’s first home match of the campaign. But Werner’s comments suggest that Fullkrug’s individual recovery will be handled carefully, with the coach weighing the value of minutes on the pitch against the possibility of allowing him further rest.
The Bremen supporters will be hoping that the forward can regain the form that made him a leading figure at Weserstadion. Werner, meanwhile, remains confident that Fullkrug’s finishing ability will return once his sharpness and rhythm are restored.
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