Kohfeldt defends itself against criticism: "I am the best"

Bremen (AP) - Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt has resisted the clear criticism of former Werder stars.

"I am still the best in this position," said the coach of the Bundesliga club, which is at risk of relegation, in a virtual press conference. However, the harsh words against him "hurt a lot". "But it encourages a certain form of defiance for me. And I'll show it to everyone anyway," said the 37-year-old. So far he had "not thought" of resignation.

Werder idols like Rune Bratseth or Dieter Burdenski have publicly questioned Kohfeldt in recent days. "It hurts, it hurts really when you are criticized by people about the media who otherwise come across as friendly and jovial, but who don't take responsibility themselves," said Kohfeldt. "Now, to reproach ourselves for letting everything go, that there is no fire, is a cheek."

Ex-goalkeeper Burdenski underpinned his clear words and reacted to the emotional reaction of the coach. "Criticism applies to those responsible in the club as nest pollution. Here, everyone has gone wrong and in-laws," said the long-time keeper of the soccer Bundesliga club "bild.de". "But what do the people in the club expect? I held back for months. But at some point you have to be able to express yourself."

Sports director Frank Baumann again gave his coach backing, even if it was for Bundesliga 17. on Saturday at SC Freiburg (3.30 p.m. / Sky) again should not give any points. "I am convinced that Florian is the right man for this situation and that he is most likely to keep the class," said the former international.

Coach Christian Streich from SC Freiburg has demonstratively praised his coaching colleague despite the severe sporting crisis at Werder. Kohfeldt is "an absolute football professional and through and through green and white, you can't do it anymore. He's totally fine and a very reflective man," said Streich one day before the duel between the two clubs.

Streich praised the Bremen officials for holding on to the 37-year-old Kohfeldt despite the acute risk of relegation. "I'm glad it is done this way," said Streich. Kohfeldt has "real quality". He could put himself in Kohlfeldt's position because he himself was in a relegation battle with the Freiburgers in 2015, but was also not questioned by his bosses.

"The situation is depressing, hopefully not overwhelming," said Streich. "You have sleepless nights and also fear of failure. It is a difficult psychological situation that takes a lot of strength."

Freiburg-Werder at bundesliga.de