Long-time Werder Bremen manager and chairman of the supervisory board Willi Lemke has asked for another wage cut for players at the Bundesliga club.
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“I can only support the club management and say: `Dear players, cooperate with the club!’ No one can seriously be interested to see the club in an emergency condition,” the 74-year-old said.
The media in Germany has previously reported that the public announcement made by sporting director Frank Baumann to discuss a payment cut was not well received by the players.
“Last season, the club faced the relegation play-off to remain in the Bundesliga and has been struggling financially.
Clemens Fritz, Bremen’s head of professional football, told media round Wednesday the reports were “total nonsense’’.
“There is no rejection and no agreement,’’ he said. “There is an exchange. There is a process that will take some time. That should not be overly interpretated from outside.’’
Lemke said: “You have to talk to the players and make the situation clear to them. A solution like the one before, reducing the payment at least 10 per cent and deferring 10 per cent, I personally consider absolutely reasonable.”
If the players toughen up the negotiations with the club, Lemke believes they will also have their images damaged.
“I’m sure the population will have little understanding for players demanding to be paid 100 per cent of their salaries. This wouldn’t be a nice discussion,” said Lemke.
According to their own statement, Bremen expect to lose around 30 million euros (35.3 dollars) due to the coronavirus pandemic and must take out a loan for the first time in several years.
The club also announced savings plans in all areas, including a pay cut for players in spring.