NEWS
Bombshell at Werder! Alex Schlager only number 2
The new Bremen goalkeeper must settle for a backup role after his move.
Alexander Schlager has drawn the short straw at his new club, SV Werder Bremen.
The 30-year-old ÖFB goalkeeper was officially declared number two by coach Daniel Thioune after his move from Red Bull Salzburg. Upon his signing, Werder had actually announced an open competition with Estonian Karl Hein.
However, Thioune has now made his decision immediately before the Bundesliga opener on Sunday against SC Freiburg (3:30 PM in the LIVE ticker).
Hein is the number one
"Karl will be in goal on Sunday and go into the season as number one," the Werder coach explained at Friday's press conference.
Hein had missed Bremen's competitive season opener due to injury. Schlager therefore got the nod and was between the posts during the 3-0 away win in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against Hansa Lüneburg.
It was the Austrian's competitive debut in the Werder jersey. However, his second appearance might now be some time coming. Hein goes into the new season as the clear number one.
Will Schlager remain number 1 in the ÖFB team?
The new situation could also have repercussions for the ÖFB team. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, national team coach Ralf Rangnick had clearly declared Schlager as Austria's number one. The 30-year-old justified this trust with strong performances at the tournament.
However, should Schlager permanently be benched at Werder, his lack of match practice could also jeopardize his status in the national team.
Rangnick doesn't have much time for a possible decision. The next international break is already in four weeks. Austria will face Israel and Kosovo in the Nations League.
