Werder Bremen Interim Coaches Named After Steffen’s Dismissal
– Werder Bremen has relieved Horst Steffen of his duties as head coach, effective immediately. The decision comes after a challenging run of form for the Bundesliga club. According to the club’s official statement, assistant coaches Raphael Duarte and Christian Groß will assume interim coaching responsibilities.
The move marks a swift change for Werder Bremen, who appointed Steffen as manager last year with the aim of building a competitive squad. The club has not disclosed specific reasons for Steffen’s dismissal, but the decision follows a period of disappointing results. Bremen is scheduled to face Freiburg in an away match, and Duarte and Groß will be tasked with preparing the team for that contest.
Raphael Duarte’s appointment as interim coach is particularly noteworthy, given his recent arrival at the club. He joined Werder Bremen in as an assistant coach under Steffen, brought in specifically because of their successful working relationship at SV Elversberg. Clemens Fritz, Werder Bremen’s managing director of football, highlighted the strong connection between Steffen and Duarte when announcing Duarte’s initial appointment. “Raphael was Horst Steffen’s first-choice candidate,” Fritz said. “They worked very well together at Elversberg, and we are delighted that we have now been able to reach an agreement with the club.”
Duarte, 29, brings a relatively young but promising profile to the interim role. Prior to joining Werder Bremen, he served as part of Steffen’s coaching staff at SV Elversberg, where he played a role in the club’s rise through the ranks, including promotion to the 3rd division and a near miss for Bundesliga promotion. His experience navigating challenging leagues was seen as a valuable asset when he was initially hired. He holds a UEFA A license.
The club emphasized Duarte’s innovative approach to coaching, describing him as a “very good addition” to the staff. Fritz also noted that Duarte had already gained significant experience for his age. Duarte himself expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m really excited about taking on this role at such a wonderful club and continuing to work with Horst, as well as getting to know the Werder team and staff.”
The situation raises questions about the future of the coaching staff at Werder Bremen, beyond the interim appointments. The club has not yet announced plans for a permanent replacement for Steffen. It remains to be seen whether Duarte’s performance as interim coach will position him as a candidate for the full-time position.
The appointment of Duarte and Groß as interim coaches underscores the club’s desire for continuity during this period of transition. The club is hoping that the existing coaching structure, even in its temporary form, can provide stability as they search for a long-term solution.
Werder Bremen’s next challenge will be to regain momentum in the Bundesliga. The match against Freiburg will be a crucial test for the interim coaching duo, as they attempt to steer the team away from potential relegation trouble. The club will be looking for a positive response from the players as they navigate this period of uncertainty.
