Schaaf back for more with Bremen

Werder Bremen were thwarted in last season's UEFA Cup final, losing 2-1 to FC Shakhtar Donetsk, but the German club will look to go a step further this season in the inaugural UEFA Europa League. Drawn against CD Nacional, Athletic Club Bilbao and FK Austria Wien in Group L, coach Thomas Schaaf knows the road to the 2010 final will be a tough one, yet as Bremen prepare for their opening-night trip to Portugal, his side are eager to test their strength again.

uefa.com: You missed out on lifting the last-ever UEFA Cup in Istanbul. Do you think you can make amends by winning the first UEFA Europa League?

Thomas Schaaf: We were very disappointed after the final last season. We were happy to have been a part of it, but we did not do ourselves justice and were not the opponents Bremen have been in recent years. We were very disappointed about that. We would have loved to have won the last UEFA Cup but we have a new chance in the Europa League and will try our best to make it through the group phase.

uefa.com: Do you feel you are capable of winning the group?

Schaaf: We might be seen as favourites in the group, but we shouldn't underestimate, for example, Athletic Bilbao with their tradition – they have proved over the years that they can be successful. Then we have Austria Wien where we will see a fascinating duel between Germany and Austria. And we have the underdogs Nacional, but we definitely shouldn't underestimate them. If you knock out Zenit St. Petersburg as they did, then you deserve to be here.

uefa.com: You will travel all the way to Madeira for Bremen's first match.

Schaaf: It's a long journey. We had to travel a long way in the play-offs to play Aktobe, but it's a pleasure for us. We know there will be a special atmosphere, great enthusiasm, and I know we will be up against a strong opponent.

uefa.com: How badly has Diego's departure for Juventus affected the club?

Schaaf: A great player has left, but we have been through similar situations before. Players have come to us as unknowns but we made them into something special. That's what happened with Diego, and he has now gone on his way and we wish him all the best. This means we can give other players the chance to achieve something similar. We have young, hungry players who want to get to that position.

uefa.com: Coaches have to continually create new teams. Do you agree?

Schaaf: Of course – you have to always be aware of what you can do. Do you change your style completely or find players to fit your game plan. There are always little changes because every new player, whether they are great technical players or leaders, is an individual. Each one has something special and the whole team has to adapt to that.

Thomas Schaaf spoke to uefa.com at the European Elite Coaches Forum in Nyon.