Kai, you didn't produce your best performance against Stuttgart but are through to the quarter-finals. What's your assessment of the game a few days after the match?
We knew beforehand it would be a tough game. Stuttgart are in the second division and at the end of the day we've got more quality in our squad but it was the DFB Cup. The underdogs always have a chance. And Stuttgart played well. They sat back and were very compact in defence. That meant we had little space and they were able to play on the break. And they did that well several times. It definitely wasn't our best game in this competition although it's only really all about going through to the next round.
You were captain of Bayer 04 for the first time against VfB. How did you feel on the night?
Personally, it's obviously a great feeling. Being allowed to be captain of this team is, in my eyes, appreciation for the years of hard work for this club. It really means something to me to be able to lead the team onto the pitch as captain even if my first priority is to play football. And then it's not so important if I've got the armband or not.
Dortmund went out of the cup against Werder Bremen but have really impressed in the league with three wins and incredible power up front. How do think the game will turn out?
I've got a good feeling about the game. We can't afford to sit back and we have to be very confident. That will be necessary. For me, BVB are currently one of the best teams in the league along with Bayern and Leipzig. It will be a really tough task. But we'll do all we can to win the game.
How can you, as a team, keep on top of the outstanding BVB strikers Haaland and Sancho?
They've got a terrific attack. Don't forget Julian Brandt. I think he's a key factor in the recent run in the Bundesliga alongside Haaland and Sancho. Of course, it will be important to organise our overall defence but we should think about our own strengths first. In the first half of the season we showed we could dominate against Dortmund. We should build on that and use our chances better than in the first match this season.
You played alongside Julian 'Jule' Brandt at Bayer 04 for many years . But I suppose your friendship will be over for 90 minutes?
We’re good at separating the two things. I can remember our legendary clash on the console. (He smiles). On the pitch, we’ll do all we can to win for our teams and afterwards he will be very welcome to come into our dressing room.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 0-2 loss at 1. FC Nürnberg on Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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After nine points from their first three away matches of the 2026/27 season, the Bayer 04 Women suffered their first away defeat on Sunday afternoon. The 2-0 defeat away to FC Nürnberg, who were winless before today, represented a setback for coach Roberto Pätzold’s team in the race for the top spots in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Fany Pronietz scored both goals (62’, 85’) for the home side.
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After six consecutive wins, the Werkself have hit a rough patch: Bayer 04 lost 3-0 away to TSG Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot (79'), with Alexander Prass and Max Moerstedt adding to the tally shortly before full-time (89’/90+5’). After ten matches under Carles Martínez, with the Black and Reds always scoring at least twice, Leverkusen failed to find the net for the first time.
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The Werkself still have a score to settle with TSG Hoffenheim: Bayer 04 lost both matches against the Kraichgau side last term – after the Black and Reds had won all the previous five encounters. Leverkusen are currently on a roll and looking to kick off a new winning streak against TSG in Sinsheim on Sunday 25 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), and Patrik Schick is keen to continue his current run of form. However, it will not be easy, as coach Christian Ilzer’s team have also gained confidence recently. Today’s matchday news.
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