The 2001-02 campaign saw Werder Bremen secure a solid 6th-place finish in the Bundesliga, earning a coveted UEFA Cup spot for the following season. Leading the charge for Die Werderaner was the prolific Brazilian striker Aílton Gonçalves, whose 16 goals in the league provided a vital attacking threat. It was a season built on the experience of club legend Marco Bode, who announced his retirement, and the midfield brilliance of Torsten Frings, marking a transitional but ultimately successful chapter for the club.