"We're the underdogs"
FFC Frankfurt are the record Cup winners with nine titles to date. "Frankfurt are in the first division and are a big club. We are clearly the underdogs in this match. You only have to look at Frankfurt's performance over the past few years," said Hagedorn. The club holds three records with ten final appearances in succession, five titles on the bounce plus three successive Cup final defeats. In 2002 and 2008 FFC won the treble. But there is no reason to be intimidated.
NEW COACH AT Frankfurt
"FFC lost some good players in the summer," said Hagedorn. "And then there's the recent change of coach." FFC have just parted company with Matt Ross after disappointing performances in recent weeks. Second team coach, Niko Arnautis, has taken the helm. "The change of coaches means there will be a different approach from Frankfurt. So it's harder to say how they will play against us on Sunday," said Hagedorn. One thing is certain: "We'll try to give the big team a game and hopefully end up as winners."
FEW OPTIONS ON THE BENCH
The Bayer 04 Women's squad has been bigger in the past. Long-term absentees Laura Widak and Merle Barth (both knee) are joined by two other players on the injury list. Gianna Rackow suffered a torn cruciate in last Saturday's U18 DFB State Cup. The same fate befell Pauline Wimmer the previous week in a game against the second team. The coach will also have to manage with Melissa Friedrich and Sabine Sauder for the second round tie.
Nicole Munzert and Valentina Finestra did return to training this week after recovering from knocks. Given the injury situation, Hagedorn has involved second team players in training this week and they will be in the squad on Sunday.
Tickets AVAILABLE ON THE DAY
The Bayer 04 Women are looking forward to getting great support at the Cup tie. Entrance is free to children under 14 years of age and adult tickets cost 8 euros. School students, students, apprentices and senior citizens only have to pay the concession price of 5 euros. Seats are not allocated.
Our season ticket holders and Club members are not entitled to free entry due to the share of gate receipts in cup games.
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