Qualifying a racing certainty for Diego

Playmaker Diego is convinced that Werder Bremen can pick up the pace in Group B as they prepare for their rematch with Panathinaikos FC, with the Brazilian saying he would "bet all my chips" on the German club finishing second in the section.

Safe bet
Thomas Schaaf's side have drawn all three of their UEFA Champions League games this season but with two home games to come, as well as a trip to face underdogs Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Diego felt optimistic. "FC Internazionale Milano have to be the favourites because of the investment the club has made but I'd bet all my chips on Werder Bremen finishing second," he said.

'Reasonable campaign'
Ahead of Matchday 4, Bremen are third in the section, behind Inter and Anorthosis, but Diego is not dissatisfied. "Up to now it's been a reasonable campaign," he said. "We have not lost in three games but we haven't won either so we have three points and are third in the group. Our next game is at home so we have the chance to go up into second so it's still in our hands and I believe that we'll go through."

Anorthosis respect
Bremen visit Cyprus on Matchday 5, perhaps still smarting from being held to a 0-0 draw by Anorthosis in their opening Group B game. At the time it seemed like a humiliating result, but Temuri Ketsbaia's side have proved their worth since. "They only lost 1-0 at Inter, won against Panathinaikos and drew against us here in Germany so this is a team that without a doubt will create difficulties for us," said Diego.

Snooker loopy
Having joined Bremen from FC Porto in 2006, former Santos FC player Diego is enjoying his time in Germany "despite the cold weather", and has been learning new skills. "I like to travel and I like to drive, the motorways here are very good so I like to travel," he said. "With the cold I end up being at home more often so I watch movies and play snooker as there's a table in my house."

Happy in Bremen
However, despite the joy of autobahns and snooker, Diego can still see a time when "it would be good for me and Werder for me join another great team". He explained: "The most important thing for players is to be happy and satisfied with everyday life and that's what's happened to me here at Werder. It is a team that is going to be in my heart forever because of the way they took me in."

Proving grounds
Nonetheless, playing in England, Spain or Italy is still a dream for Diego, who said: "England might be the biggest league because of the players who are there and English teams have been doing really well in the Champions League but in Spain they might play a game that's more suited to my characteristics while Italy has the fans and it was where big players like Ronaldo, [Diego] Maradona and Adriano proved themselves."