Sokratis: Werder Bremen belong in the Champions League

Sokratis Papastathopoulos believes Werder Bremen should be competing in the Champions League, and will strive to help them achieve a top-four place in the Bundesliga next season.

The defender has returned to the club following his Euro 2012 exploits with Greece, and is adamant that the Green-Whites must improve upon last term's ninth-placed finish and challenge for a European spot.

"We need to get close to the first five teams. My target is even greater: I want the Champions League. This is where Werder belong too," Sokratis told Bild.

"Last year, we were great in the first half of the season, but after the winter break we only won three games.

"This year we need both halves of the season to be good. I want to win games with Werder, I want to win very often.

Sokratis went on to reveal his desire to compete in the continent's top club tournament, but admitted that failure to qualify would raise questions over his future in Bremen.

"This year I am definitely staying. What happens next year I do not know yet. We will see. But as long as I am with Werder I will give everything for the club," he assured.

"Europe, particularly the Champions League would be a reason to stay. It is important for the club, because it means money.

"It is also important for me, because the best players in Europe play there."