Werder Bremen’s Ole Werner feels conflicted over losses of Milos Veljkovic and Anthony Jung | OneFootball

Werder Bremen confirmed that German defender Anthony Jung would be departing his long-time Bundesliga club on an expiring contact at the end of the season. The 33-year-old served the Hanseaten faithfully over the last four seasons, returning to his native country after four years in Denmark to help Bremen achieve promotion back to the German top flight during the 2021/22 2. Bundesliga campaign.

Some significant changes are afoot in the Bremen defensive corps. Along with Jung, veteran Serbian international Milos Veljkovic will also be departing on a free this summer. Veljkovic – a former Tottenham Hotspur academy man – played ten seasons for Werder and will head to Red Star Belgrade in his native Serbia. Vlejkovic (194 top flight appearances) might crack the 200 mark for his lone Bundesliga club before he goes.

In club statements issued on Thursday, SV personnel chief Peter Niemeyer took care to emphasise that the decision not to renew with Jung was not an easy one. Niemeyer praised Jung’s “important role in the team” and specifically credited the former Leipzig man for helping Bremen achieve promotion from the second division and stability in the first. Veljkovic – who remained loyal despite the 2020/21 relegation – was also important in this regard.

Head coach Ole Werner addressed the future of both players at Thursday’s press conference. Naturally, Jung and Veljkovic were both extremely helpful to him when he took over the team in November 2021 and ultimately led them back to the German top flight. Werner admitted that he felt conflicted about losing both defenders.

“There are always two sides to it,” Werner noted. “There were solid arguments for continuing to work with both players. This is a matter between player and club. I support it and can follow the arguments, but am also involved [in the discussions] and can understand both sides. The financial aspect comes first.

“It’s a decision that no one took lightly,” Werner said with specific reference to Jung, “Tony is an established figure in the locker room and on the pitch. The bottom line is that it is a strategic decision from the club as a means of reorganising [ahead of next season].”

GGFN | Peter Weis