Expect sweeping changes, Allofs tells Bremen squad

Werder Bremen’s director of sport Klaus Allofs said Thursday sweeping changes are expected to be made to the squad after their defeat at Tottenham Hotspur effectively ended their Champions League campaign.

Bremen’s 3-0 defeat in North London leaves Werder bottom of Group A and, regardless of their home match with holders Inter Milan on December 7, they are out of contention for third spot which would have given them a Europa League place.

While Bremen have struggled in Europe this season, their form in the Bundesliga has been dire recently.

A 6-0 defeat at Stuttgart on November 7 was followed by a 0-0 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt six days later before they were hammered 4-0 at fellow-strugglers Schalke last Saturday.

Bremen are now down to 12th in the Bundesliga and with little chance of qualifying for Europe next season, by finishing in the top five, Allofs says he expects heads to roll.

“There will be sweeping changes,” said Allofs.

“Without international competition, there will be changes to the squad and any new contracts.”

The defeat at Tottenham was the latest in a series of unimpressive results and coach Thomas Schaaf is under increasing pressure after more than a decade in charge.

Allofs has already said the sacking of Schaaf is not an issue for Bremen’s board of directors, but the 49-year-old needs to start winning games soon.

Bremen’s travelling fans showed their vocal support throughout Wednesday evening in Tottenham and Schaaf said he appreciated the gesture.

“Such support is obviously welcome,” said Schaaf.

“I am working hard to remedy the situation, but everything else is out of my control.”

Captain Torsten Frings, striker Hugo Almeida and defender Sebastian Boenisch are part of a group of players who are out of contract at the end of the season.

Germany pair Per Mertesacker and Tim Wiese are out of contract in 2012 and will be looking to sign contract extensions at the end of the season.