Werder Bremen forward, Josh Sargent is feeling good ahead of the start of the 2020/21 Bundesliga season as he gears up for his second senior season with Die Werderaner.
The 20-year-old USA international has been highly praised by coach Florian Kohfeldt. The manager has said he is no longer a contender in the team’s starting XI. However, the American striker isn’t letting anything go to his head.
Sargent was there for The River Islanders when he was needed most by scoring his fourth goal of the season in 2019/20 at the business end of the campaign. The goal earned his side a spot in the relegation play-off against Bundesliga 2 side Heidenheim. They eventually won the tie 2-2 courtesy of away goal rule to maintain their Bundesliga status.
Sargent, who was born Missouri was a second-half substitute in the goalless first leg but justified his inclusion in the starting line-up for the return fixture by producing the assist for the opening goal.
Josh Sargent not complacent despite getting coach assurance at
Sargent’s performances in recent pre-season friendly wins over Groningen and St. Pauli have drawn praises from the coach Kohfeldt. This gave the tactician plenty of food for thought, that made him said he can’t imagine a starting XI without the American heading into the new season.
Sargent already has 12 caps for the US National team. He stated that nothing is for certain and his improved mentality is what will set him apart from the rest.
“We’ve got several options upfront. We’re always pushing each other and trying to make it a difficult decision for the coach.
“At the end of the day, I don’t care about what people are saying, I have to focus on myself and work hard. My mentality can be a big advantage. I want to be one of the guys who works the hardest on the pitch,” Sargent told a press conference on Wednesday.
Bremen will be hoping what happened to them last season doesn’t repeat itself. The North German club needs hardworking players heading into the new campaign. They had hopes of a European push prior to 2019/20 but found themselves battling relegation due to mounting injuries and a lack of consistency that saw them plummet down the table.
But Sargent is part of the club’s hope ahead of the new season. The 20-year-old could now be considered one of the dressing room leaders having experienced the struggles of the last year and come out the other side better for it.
The team has also drafted in young talents, which include 20-year-olds Felix Agu, Tahith Chong, and 18-year-old Johan Mina, who are among the new arrivals. They will also be having several academy products. This has brought fresh positive vibes for Sargent and the Bremen squad.
“It’s really cool that we have so many young players. I feel really comfortable with them and we get along really well. We all came through last season and no one wants to experience that again. We’re going into the new season focused and more positive,” Sargent said.
Breemen will begin their Bundesliga campaign at home to Hertha Berlin on 19 September.
