Returning Oliver Burke didn’t expect to be at Werder Bremen

It’s fair to say that Werder Bremen’s Oliver Burke has struggled in the Bundesliga. The Scot’s 12 minutes against Holstein Kiel is the most he’s played in his five league games season – combining for 34 minutes – but his 89^th minute winning goal on Saturday could be crucial for Die Grün-Weißen’s campaign.

The 27-year-old joined Werder from Sheffield United on a free transfer in 2022 but spent time on loan at Millwall and Birmingham in the last 18 months. Returning to the Weserstadion this season, Burke’s future at the club wasn’t certain.

“Obviously not everyone expected that I would still be playing here this season,” said Burke in the mixed zone after scoring the winning goal at the weekend. “But here I am, and I am very happy that I am here.”

During pre-season, Burke didn’t even train with the professional squad. “I sat there and watched,” said the Scottish forward. “That was a tough moment, but things change quickly in football, as we saw today.”

Burke also discussed how the Weserstadion ‘went wild’ after he headed in the winning goal for Bremen’s fourth Bundesliga win of the season.

With a contract until the end of the season, Burke was asked about his future at the club.

“I have to prove myself on the pitch and every day in training, and then we’ll see,” added Burke.

The forward’s goal on Saturday was just his third for Werder Bremen, but while it’s perhaps not the most memorable, it’s certainly meaningful to Burke.

In September 2022, Burke came off the bench to score a 95^th minute winning goal against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion, completing Bremen’s 3-2 comeback win with all three goals scored in the 89^th minute and later.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder