The face of Werder Bremen has changed dramatically since their previous meeting against Chelsea in 2006. Chelsea's personnel have changed over the years but the man on the sidelines is the same one who shook Thomas Schaaf's hand in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. This fact in itself is strange. Chelsea has a history of changing managers rapidly, especially since Roman Abramovich took over. Bremen was managed by Schaaf for more than 14 years until he resigned rather strangely prior to the final game of the 2012-13 season.
Schaaf had resided over Bremen in one of their best eras, a time in which they regularly featured in the Champions League and acted as Bayern's main rival in the Bundesliga. However, Schaaf's stubborn nature is exactly what nearly ruined Bremen. His refusal to fix the gaping holes at the back and his love of attacking play made Bremen's success unsustainable, especially as football changed rapidly and game plans changed.
Bremen's best talents have left for greener pastures down the years, the latest being Aaron Hunt. Hunt knew no other club, having served Bremen for his entire career. He moved on to Wolfsburg, perhaps in the light of the fact that Wolfsburg are much more likely to fight for the title unlike Bremen. Robin Dutt took over after Schaaf left but has really not been able to solve Bremen's main problems. They were involved in a relegation fight again last season and just about managed to escape.
Chelsea on the other hand is far away from such drama. Yet, in light of their high standards, last season was a failure because they do not have a trophy to show for their efforts. Jose Mourinho knows he needs to deliver this season. He has brought back a former winner in the form of Didier Drogba. The decision is understandable considering his strikers largely failed to deliver last season.
Can Chelsea go back to their winning ways and Bremen to competing for domestic titles in the upcoming season?
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels
Watch Werder Bremen vs Chelsea live on Sunday, August 03, 2014:
Internationally on Chelsea TV
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Bremen vs Chelsea match page.
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