Werder boss: It was a difficult time for Johannes Eggestein
Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann admits Johannes Eggestein went through a 'difficult time' in the 2019/20 season, which saw him slip down the pecking order.
After Johannes Eggestein emerged as a first-team regular for Werder Bremen in the 2018/19 season, making 28 appearances with five goals and three assists to his name, the 22-year-old was expected to continue his exciting development.
But last season didn't go according to plan for Eggestein, who was limited to just 15 appearances in the 2019/20 campaign.
After coming on as a substitute in a 1-4 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on 18 May, Eggestein was even left out of the squad for Werder's crucial end to the season, which saw them avoid the drop after beating Heidenheim on away goals in the relegation play-off.
"It was a difficult time for him. It was a very special situation towards the end of the season. The coaching team simply felt that other players were better suited for the task," Werder sporting director Frank Baumann told Deichstube.
Despite the fact that Eggestein slipped down the pecking order last season, Werder are expecting to hold on to him for the upcoming campaign, although Baumann has emphasized that "no player is unsaleable."
"Basically, we're planning to keep 'Jojo' in our squad for the new season to let him fight for his place," he said.
Johannes Eggestein, 22, is under contract with Werder until 2022.