It was a season of two halves for Werder Bremen who overcame a disastrous first half of the season to almost secure a European qualification spot, though a dip in form over the final games meant that they had to settle for a midtable position in the end. Bremen kicked off their campaign intent on improving their poor finish to the season last time around. However, they struggled to get going, needing an extra time goal to beat Illertissen in the DFB Cup while they only managed to collect four points from their opening nine games in the Bundesliga, a run that saw them drop to the foot of the league table. A disappointing defeat to Koln at the end of October proved to be the final straw as the Bremen board acted by sacking coach Robin Dutt and promoting Viktor Skrypnyk as the head coach of the first team squad. That move proved to be an inspired one for Bremen as they immediately showed signs of improvement, beating Chemnitzer FC comfortably in Skrypnyk's first match in charge of the club before securing back to back victories over Mainz and Stuttgart which saw them climb up from the foot of the table. Bremen though were unable to build on their good start under Skrypnyk and a dip in form followed with Bremen managing to win just once in their next five games. It was not until league duties resumed after the winter break though that Bremen finally hit top form as five successive victories raised hopes of emerging as serious challengers for a European qualification spot. Franco Di Santo's goals were keeping Bremen in the hunt for a top six finish, with the striker ending the season with 13 goals. However, it was Zlatko Junuzovic's performances in the midfield that were key to Bremen's revival under Skrypnyk as the Austrian midfielder enjoyed a more creative role by bagging 12 assists and also chipping in with six goals. European qualification was looking a realistic prospect for Bremen but a drop in form that saw them collect just 10 points in their final 10 games ended dreams of European action for the next season and Bremen had to settle for a midtable finish in the end. Despite missing out on a top six finish, Skrypnyk will be happy with the season, having helped the team climb up from the foot of the table to a 10th place finish. The Bremen coach though has a rebuilding job on his hands during the summer with Davie Selke, who had emerged as a regular starter alongside Di Santo, confirming his departure to Red Bull Leipzig while Sebastian Prodl has also signed up with Watford on a free transfer. Bremen have so far confirmed the arrival of Anthony Ujah from Koln while Ulisses Garcia and Felix Wiedwald have also been also signed up for the next season. However, with rumors persisting about Di Santo's departure from the club and Clemens Fritz suffering niggling injuries throughout the season, Skrypnyk will be needing more players if he is to build on a successful second half of the season and emerge as serious challengers for a top six finish next time around.
