Bremen conclude successful China trip
Munich - Werder Bremen have wrapped up their early pre-season tour of China, with players and staff enjoying the final highlight of a visit to Beijing's historic Forbidden City before heading back to Germany on an overnight flight on Monday.
Dutt pleased with team spirit
“Seeing this slice of history close-up's been a very interesting part of the trip, even if it was a bit strenuous in the heat at the end of a tough week,” said defensive coordinator Sebastian Prödl. Bremen's visit took in friendly victories over Chinese Super League champions
and fellow top-flight outfit Tianjin TEDA in the clubs' respective home cities in the country's north-east.
“The team's excellent attitude has come to the fore again in China,” head coach Robin Dutt noted “We worked so hard that I was waiting every day for the lads to run out of steam, but they never did.” In summary, Dutt first and foremost highlighted “the solidarity among the players” on their far-eastern venture. “It's been an exciting trip from all sorts of angles,” sporting director Thomas Eichin agreed, “Very few of us had been to China before. There were new experiences every day, we got to know the country and its people and it's left a real impression on us.” In terms of the
for the upcoming season, Eichin added, “The conditions were extreme at times but we put in some decent work all the same. The pitches were in a good condition and we beat very handy opponents in our two friendlies. So from a sporting perspective as well, it's been a fruitful trip.”
Sport and business combined
Over and above the onfield action, the tour has helped further raise the profile of the German top flight, and that of the Hanseatic port city visitors in particular, in the world's most populous nation. “We're in ongoing discussions with Chinese companies who are interested in the Bundesliga, and in Werder Bremen,” management board chairman Klaus Filbry confirmed.
Homeward bound...
...after a rewarding trip east
