Women: “Play our part in staying up’

The Werkself women have already taken a huge step towards avoiding relegation last weekend with a 3-1 home win against FC Köln. With one game to play, Bayer 04 are ninth in the table on 17 points with a tally of 22 goals for and 46 against. The lead over the two pursuers MSV Duisburg (14 points, 17 to 47 goals) and FC Köln (14 points, 21 to 60 goals) in the first relegation spot is two points and the Black and Reds also have a better goal difference. The Leverkusen women will only have to worry about staying in the Bundesliga in the event of a heavy defeat and wins for the other two teams. Head coach Achim Feifel sounded a warning: “We’re not safe yet. That’s why we have to produce a good performance to play our part in staying up.”

Against the most prolific attack in the league

VfL Wolfsburg have had an impressive season and are already certain to be the champions of the FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga. With 88 goals scored, the ‘Wolves’ have by far the most prolific attack in the league and have also conceded the fewest goals (8). Wolfsburg are unbeaten this season and have only drawn two games. “They have a lot of individual quality in their squad. It doesn’t really mater which eleven players are on the pitch as they are all good players. On top of that, the team have have played together for years and are very good at attacking when in possession,” said the 55-year-old in explaining the strengths of the hosts.

In spite of Wolfsburg’s record attack, his team will not completely focus on defending: “We have to be very compact in defence and put in a lot of running and aggression in our defending. Nevertheless, we have to be quick in playing on the break to cause them problems and create chances,” Feifel said in explaining his approach to the game.

Machtens and Nikolic sidelined

In addition to long-term injuries Melissa Friedrich, Pauline Wimmer (both torn cruciates) and Karoline Heinze (back problems), Feifel is also missing two other players: “Pauline Machtens broke down in training on Thursday and won’t be able to play. Milena Nikolic hurt her back in today’s warm-up and won’t be fit unfortunately.”

The match will be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fans can watch the Werkself Women play on Eurosport and a free live stream on Magenta Sport.