Modest dream goalscorer: Steffen hopes that Grüll "at least lets loose at home"

After the final whistle, his euphoria was already significantly dampened: Marco Grüll. IMAGO/Taisei Iwamoto

After his assist on the opening matchday in Frankfurt ( 1:4 ), when he set up Justin Njinmah , Marco Grüll had to wait until the seventh matchday for his second goal involvement of the season. However, the Bremen striker finally broke the deadlock in Heidenheim, scoring to give the team a temporary 1:0 lead.

The 27-year-old demonstrated what confidence a goal can trigger in a football player on Friday evening against Union Berlin. After Werder struggled for a long time against the deep-lying visitors, it was a solo effort from Grüll that gave Bremen the deserved lead and thus the victory.

"I think it must have been quite beautiful," Grüll said shortly after the final whistle, describing his shot on goal on Sky's microphone without even having seen it on a replay. He understandably maintained this opinion even after admiring the goal of the day on TV. "It's one of the better goals, and I'm obviously happy about it," the Austrian said in a rather reserved tone.

Perhaps also because he had the necessary bit of luck when his shot was deflected off the crossbar and into the net, rather than bouncing back into the net. "At the beginning of the season, it was the other way around. Our luck wasn't as good, and maybe that's why one or two balls didn't go in. Now that bit of luck is coming back," Grüll attempted to explain his mini-streak, but without making any big statements. He had every reason to be, though, considering his wonder goal also stole the show from Victor Boniface . The Nigerian had a hard-working but understated debut in the starting eleven in the green and white kit.

"He's certainly the type of player he just presented himself to," said Horst Steffen , describing his match-winner in light of his modest words. Nevertheless, he hopes that Grüll "at least lets loose at home and says: 'What a brilliant goal. And such a decisive one, too.'"

Steffen left it open whether the attacker would have the time for that after Werder's second consecutive home win. "It's certainly within the realm of possibility" that he would give his team two days off, the 56-year-old explained. However, the coach hasn't yet made a specific announcement to his players. "There was an announcement from the players that they wanted two days off. I haven't responded to that yet. But it's certainly possible," Steffen said, at least not ruling out the possibility.

Even a short break would at least give Werder enough time to prepare for their next match. Since SVW was eliminated in the first round of the cup, the seventh-placed team, at least temporarily, will not return until next Saturday in Mainz (3:30 p.m.). Grüll will certainly hope to continue his streak.