football | Wednesday, January 18, 2023 10:39 AM (Revised at: Thursday, January 19, 2023 1:17 PM)

Mikael Silvestre: Strong Finish Will Help Borussia Dortmund To Champions League Spot

Devang Prasad

The 2022-23 Bundesliga resumes this weekend with a big game on the cards as RB Leipzig host Bayern Munich. At the other end of the table, 18th placed Schalke will be taking on fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt while some mid-table action will see Werder Bremen visiting FC Köln.

In light of that, we got a few words with former Werder Bremen defender, Mikael Silvestre who gave his prediction on how the league will unfold and also talked about his former side and the impending departure of star striker, Niclas Füllkrug.

In this article:

Silvestre Expexts Strong Finish for Dortmund
Schalke to Go Down
Long Break May Hurt “Surprise Package” Union Berlin
What Next for Old Teammate Niclas Füllkrug?

Silvestre Expexts Strong Finish for Dortmund

The former French international put his belief behind Borussia Dortmund, stating that he thinks that Die Schwarzgelben, who are currently sixth, will finish strong and end up in a Champions League spot.

“At the top of the table I would expect Dortmund to finish strong and qualify for the Champions League.”

Schalke to Go Down

Dortmund’s fierce rivals, FC Schalke 04, however, are Silvestre’s pick to be relegated.

“Relegation wise Schalke are struggling right now. They couldn’t build on the momentum of the promotion.”

Long Break May Hurt “Surprise Package” Union Berlin

The five-time Premier League winner called Union Berlin the surprise package of the 2022-23 Bundesliga and remarked on how a long break in the Bundesliga can change the dynamics. He also backed his former team, Werder Bremen, to move up from ninth place.

“Union Berlin is the surprise package. The thing with Germany is they have such a big break that it can change the dynamic and momentum of the team. It’s quite refreshing to see a club like this at the very top.”

“Werder Bremen can continue and move up a few places in the table.”

What Next for Old Teammate Niclas Füllkrug?

Speaking more about Die Werderaner, Silvestre commented on the importance of Niclas Füllkrug and how the German striker has done well to reach his peak at the age of 29 and subsequently, becoming a mastermind up front.

Silvestre played alongside Füllkrug when he was 17-18 and said it was refreshing to see him do so well.

“He’s been important to them over the years. He’s done really well in the last year to contribute to their promotion and now he’s a full German international which puts him on the radar of clubs in Germany and abroad.”

“Strikers reach their peak between 28-30 years of age. It seems like he’s one of those strikers.”

“He’s mastering that position which is a pleasure because he was a kid when I was playing for Werder Bremen.”

“He was 17 or 18 breaking into the scene so it’s nice and refreshing.”