Key players Frank Rost and Torsten Frings departed for Bundesliga opposition in the summer of 2002, resulting in lowered expectations, especially since club legend Marco Bode decided to retire from professional football.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Werder Bremen's reserve team finished 10th in the Regionalliga Nord.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.