Sanogo predicts Bremen revival

Werder Bremen striker Boubacar Sanogo is still backing his team to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage despite losing their first two encounters.

'We're good enough'
The German side kicked off their Group C bid with a 2-1 defeat away to Real Madrid CF, but all the battling qualities they displayed in that performance were absent as they succumbed 3-1 to Olympiacos CFP at the Weserstadion on Matchday 2. "I don't know what went wrong in that game," confessed Sanogo. "We started well in the first half and took the lead, then after the break we just stopped playing. It's a major disappointment to have no points at this stage but I still believe we'll qualify. We're definitely good enough."

Lazio test
It could be argued that Bremen's self-belief got them into trouble in the first place, as Olympiacos had failed to win away from home in their 31 previous attempts at this level. Brazilian playmaker Diego admits he and his team-mates "thought it would be easy" but the forlorn expressions on the players' faces as they left the changing-room made it clear the lesson had been learned. Indeed, S.S. Lazio can expect a fierce reaction when they come calling on Wednesday, not least since Thomas Schaaf's men bounced back with a 3-1 Bundesliga success away to MSV Duisburg just three days after their European capitulation, before beating Hertha BSC Berlin 3-2 on Saturday.

Past recovery
Schaaf is also certain to remind his players of their feats from two years ago. On that occasion, Bremen also lost their opening two fixtures to Spanish and Greek opposition – FC Barcelona and Panathinaikos FC – but rallied themselves to take second place in the group behind the Catalan side. They also kick-started their recovery against an Italian team, drawing 1-1 at Udinese Calcio, and although they will be hunting for maximum points on Wednesday, the history books undoubtedly provide solace.

Injury boost
There is better news on the injury front too, with German internationals Torsten Frings and Tim Borowski gradually returning to match fitness after lacklustre contributions against Olympiacos. The midfield duo were both making their first appearances after knee injuries and defender Per Mertesacker promised they will soon be wielding influence again. "We had to compensate for their absence for a long time and now we have to compensate for their return," he said. "It might take a little time but they'll give us a huge lift in the near future."