Fritz proud to fly the flag

Werder Bremen defender Clemens Fritz spoke of his great pride at flying the flag for Germany ahead of the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against RCD Espanyol tonight.

Ever present
Fritz has been a regular throughout his side's European campaign, experiencing the rollercoaster ride which saw Bremen eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after the group stage before rallying in the UEFA Cup, a tournament he is enjoying to the full. "It's a European semi-final and we're expecting a tough match against Espanyol," said the right-back. "I'm proud to be representing my club and my country in this semi-final. It's a major tournament and an opportunity to build our international reputation. We're going to do everything to reach the final."

Lone standard
The north German outfit are also going strong in the Bundesliga, two points behind the leaders FC Schalke 04, and their domestic form has clearly done wonders for team morale. Fritz is also conscious that Bremen are flying the flag for Germany, who have no other remaining European representatives. "We're playing well, we're still in two competitions and we're confident of getting to Glasgow," said the 26-year-old, who scored in the 3-0 aggregate success against their last Primera División opponents, RC Celta de Vigo, in the Round of 16. "We always believe in ourselves. We are the only German team left and we want to do well for our country."

Barcelona memories
Fritz is also aware that Espanyol will be motivated for this home tie and hopes that this return to a city where Bremen suffered a 2-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League, albeit at the hands of European champions FC Barcelona, will have a happier ending. He said: "Espanyol are good in attack and they know that this is a great opportunity for them. They are only in mid-table in the Spanish league and this is their last chance for silverware - a great chance for them to make European history. We hope that the result will be a better one than our last trip to Barcelona."