Romano Schmid Under Pressure: Is Werder Bremen's Set-Piece King Facing the Boot?
In the high-stakes world of Bundesliga football, marginal gains often separate success from stagnation. For SV Werder Bremen, one area that has recently caused significant concern—and now perhaps a change in personnel—is their performance from dead-ball situations. Despite a spirited 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, the underlying statistics painted a concerning picture, leading to speculation that key player Romano Schmid might be losing his crucial role as the team's primary set-piece specialist.
Werder Bremen notoriously struggled to convert corners and free kicks for much of the season. Reports indicate that it took an astonishing 74 corners before the team finally scored from a set-piece against Frankfurt. This alarming statistic highlights a systemic issue that the club desperately needs to rectify if they are to climb the league table.
The End of an Era for Schmid’s Delivery?
Romano Schmid, the 25-year-old Austrian international, has long been entrusted with delivering the crucial crosses, corners, and free kicks for the Green-Whites. His technical ability is rarely in question, but recent deliveries have been described as lacking the necessary venom and precision.
The breakthrough goal against Frankfurt, scored by Jens Stage to make it 2-2, was telling. While it finally broke the set-piece deadlock, the assist did not come from Schmid. Instead, the crucial delivery was provided by the substitute, 22-year-old Samuel Mbangula. Mbangula’s execution was praised for possessing the requisite 'sharpness, cut, and precision' that Schmid's recent crosses reportedly lacked, even leading to a dangerous, successful outcome.
The visual evidence during the match supported the narrative of diminishing returns for Schmid’s deliveries. His executed corners against Eintracht were described as notably 'harmless,' sometimes barely clearing knee height—a stark contrast to the dangerous balls whipped in by Mbangula upon his introduction.
Coach Steffen Offers Protection Amid Scrutiny
While the pressure mounts on the pitch, Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen (56) has publicly attempted to shield his player from the brunt of the criticism. Following the match, Steffen suggested that the failure to score earlier wasn't solely attributable to the taker.
“I don't believe it was always down to the shooter,” Steffen commented. “But it is still nice that we finally scored a goal from a standard to show: we can do that too.”
Despite this public backing, the manager's words cannot entirely mask the tactical reality. When a team goes 74 set-pieces without a goal, changes become inevitable. The fact that the solution came from an unexpected source—a substitute—only intensifies the spotlight on the established specialist.
Mbangula as the New Set-Piece Architect?
The emergence of Samuel Mbangula as a viable alternative is a significant development for Werder Bremen’s offensive strategy. Football analysis consistently shows that high-quality set-piece delivery can add crucial points over a season. If Mbangula can consistently replicate the quality shown against Frankfurt, it is highly probable that he will be handed the role of primary set-piece taker, especially if he secures a regular starting spot.
For Schmid, this situation presents a critical juncture in his Werder career. While he remains a valuable creative presence in open play—even providing the assist for the crucial 3-2 goal against Frankfurt—losing the responsibility for dead-ball situations diminishes his overall influence on match outcomes. In modern football, the player who controls the delivery from corners and free kicks often dictates the tempo and opportunity generation in the final third.
The Need for Improvement is Paramount
The consensus among observers is clear: the previous standard of delivery at Werder Bremen is unsustainable. A team aiming for European contention, or even solid mid-table stability, cannot afford to waste so many potential scoring opportunities.
The challenge for Schmid is not just to reclaim his role but to prove that he can deliver the high-calibre service required at the Bundesliga level consistently. If Mbangula continues to impress when given the chance, the decision for Coach Steffen will become less about loyalty and more about maximizing on-field effectiveness. As the season progresses, every set-piece opportunity will be scrutinised, and the identity of the player standing over the ball will speak volumes about the internal competition brewing at the Weserstadion.
This potential shift in responsibility underscores the competitive nature of professional football, where even established roles are constantly being challenged by in-form teammates. Romano Schmid must now respond to the challenge posed by the emergence of Mbangula, ensuring his technical output matches the high expectations placed upon him by the club and its dedicated fanbase.
