Kohfeldt told the deichstube.de portal that the club didn’t stick with him through the past difficult season because was “so nice” but rather “because they are convinced of me” and that therefore “I don’t have to worry.

“It sounds strange, but I’m going into a season more relaxed than ever,” he said. “I am also proud that Werder held out with me and that I coped with the situation.”

Bremen only avoided the drop in a play-off tie against Heidenheim and now start the new campaign on Saturday at home against Hertha Berlin, with Kohfeldt saying he is not afraid and looking ahead.

“If I just thought ‘Don’t lose in the first few games’ then I shouldn’t be doing this job, then I wouldn’t belong in professional football,” he said.