The 2011-12 campaign saw Werder Bremen, under the long-serving management of Thomas Schaaf, secure a mid-table finish, ending 9th in the Bundesliga after a promising start was followed by a dip in form. Leading the charge was the legendary Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro, whose veteran brilliance delivered 18 goals and a team-high 9 assists, anchoring the attack and placing him among the league's top scorers. The season, which also saw the departure of captain Per Mertesacker, remains a testament to Pizarro's enduring quality and his iconic status with the Die Werderaner faithful.