Werder Bremen's 40-year stay in the Bundesliga is over as a dismal second half of the season saw them get relegated following a defeat on the final day of the season.
The campaign had started on a good note for Bremen who overcame an opening day defeat to go on a seven-match unbeaten run that saw them sit around the European qualification spots.
However, failure to keep their opponents out, with Bremen managing just six cleansheets over the campaign, and struggles up front meant Bremen slowly slid down the table as the second half of the season approached.
A brief return to form at the turn of the year raised hopes of a push for a place in the top half but their form collapsed in the final weeks as a return of just one point from their final 10 games, which included a defeat in their last match which they needed to win, meant they were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.
By the time the final matchday approached, Bremen had let go of Florian Kohfeldt and appointed Thomas Schaaf on an interim basis but the move did not work out for the final game.
Kohfeldt was handicapped by injuries to key players as the season progressed, especially up front and at the back, with Fullkrug and Selke limited to 10 and 7 starts respectively while recurring injuries meant he was unable to field a settled backline.
Maximilian Eggestein and Ludwig Augustinsson were the most consistent players for Bremen while Sargent also chipped in with some good displays but the rest of the team played well below their potential and were unable to prevent their slide into the second division.
There are expected to be departures ahead of the next season while Bremen are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Kohfeldt, something which they need to do quickly in order to give the new coach time to reshape the squad and get them ready for immediate return to the top flight.
