Diego backs beaten Bremen to bounce back

Werder Bremen playmaker Diego insists his side should not be written off despite losing the home leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final against Hamburger SV 1-0 at the Weserstadion on Thursday.

Diego confident
Piotr Trochowski scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half and though Bremen hit back strongly after the break they were unable to find a way past Frank Rost in the visitors' goal. Diego, though, is confident Bremen can bounce back in Hamburg next Thursday to earn a place in the final in Istanbul on 20 May.

'Difficult game'
"We did not start with enough focus," he said. "We gave them too much space and they made the most of it. In the second half we were the better team, we were just lacking a goal but I think we played well. We expect a difficult game [in the second leg], but at least we are still alive. We have a big chance and I am confident we are going to take it."

Fritz hope
The Brazilian's thoughts were echoed by Clemens Fritz. "We have to win in Hamburg," the Germany defender said. "In the first half we were half-asleep. We allowed Hamburg too much space and didn't stay tight enough on them. In the second half we improved and the way we played in the second half is how we have to play in the whole match in Hamburg next week."

'Give everything'
Midfielder Mesut Özil added: "We weren't very focused in the first half but in the second half we fought well, although we were unable to score. We have to give everything next Thursday in Hamburg. Like always in football what we need to do is score goals."