Stefan Wessels warns over threat of Nurnberg

Oct 11 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

STEFAN WESSELS has warned his Everton team-mates about the threat of his countrymen from FC Nurnberg despite their poor start to the Bundesliga season.

The German goalkeeper also revealed his desire for a reunion with former club Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup, which will act an extra incentive to get through the group stages.

Wessels is set for a return to Germany on November 8, when Everton are due to play one of their two away group fixtures in Nuremberg.

Hans Meyer’s men are second from bottom in their league after the successful season that gained them European qualification – when they won the German Cup and finished sixth in the Bundesliga.

But Wessels is keen to stress that they are still a danger and has also backed them to recover from their early crisis on the domestic front.

“They’re not in good shape but they are a good team. They have a lot of promise,” said Wessels.

“Nurnberg had a really good season last year and won the cup final and they are struggling this season.

“But every team that goes through to the group stage is a good team and we have to be careful about them.

“But if we play well we should get through the groups.”

This outcome would increase the likelihood of a meeting with Bayern Munich, for whom Wessels played for in the Champions League before moving to Cologne.

Everton avoided the German giants in Tuesday’s draw as they were paired with FC Nurnberg, AZ Alkmaar of Holland, Russia’s Zenit St Petersberg and the Greek side Larissa.

But Wessels, a boyhood Werder Bremen fan, has tipped Bayern to be one of the favourites to lift the trophy because of their desperation to make up for missing a Champions League spot.

“I actually would have liked us to have played Bayern Munich – but if we get through we can play them later on,” added the 28-year-old, who played in the first round first leg tie at Goodison against Metalist Kharkiv.

“They don’t often play in the UEFA Cup because they usually qualify for the Champions League, but this year they will be really concentrating on the UEFA Cup because they know they can win it.”

Wessels admits he is surprised to already have four games under his belt after joining from Cologne in the summer as Tim Howard’s understudy.

But after the American number one dislocated a finger playing for his country, Wessels then played four consecutive games, starting with his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.

He said: “I said I would like to make some games but it was quite soon after I got here that Tim was injured.

“I think I did quite okay and it’s been good for settling in.

“In Germany many people know me but in England nobody could say what kind of keeper I was so it was good to show what I can do and great for me to come in so soon.

“It was a great game for the first game against Manchester United with a great atmosphere at Goodison so I enjoyed it.

“But it’s always disappointing to lose a game with seven or eight minutes to go and I would have liked a clean sheet.”

The trip to FC Nurnberg could also mark Andrew Johnson’s return to the team after head physio Mick Rathbone confirmed he will be out for four weeks following his ankle operation on Monday.

Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed ticket prices for the home games in the UEFA Cup group stage, Larissa on October 25) and Zenit on December 5.

Season ticket holders can guarantee secure their usual seat for the Larissa game from October 11 at £15 (adults) and £5 (concessions).

Evertonia members will also be able to purchase available tickets from October 1, at general sale prices. They will then be able to buy any unclaimed season ticket holders’ seats from October 16.

General sale begins on October 17 with prices set at £20 (adults) and £10 (concessions).

Supporters can buy from the Park End Box Office via 0870 442 1878 or online.