Bremen's Hein receives adulation in Bavaria: "He delivered a top performance"
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Werder Bremen's Karl Hein was subjected to a baptism of fire on Friday night as his debut coincided with a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
However, the Estonian shot-stopper managed to take some positives from his first Bundesliga start and earned praise from his bosses.
"He delivered a top performance, and we have to pay him a huge compliment for that," said Bremen's head of football, Clemens Fritz.
“He hasn't been with us that long, and there are certainly easier games for a goalkeeper to play in for the first time," he added.
The 23-year-old's teammate Jens Stage was also enthused: “He was very calm and radiated a lot of confidence. That was very nice to see.”
Claiming he was “simply here to do his job” after the game, Hein sympathised with first-choice goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.
The 21-year-old missed out entirely on the trip to the Allianz Arena having fallen victim to shoulder ligament injury during the week.
“I feel very sorry for Mio, because I wouldn't wish an injury on anyone,” Hein explained, after his fine performance between the sticks.
