With ‘maximum passion’ against TSG Hoffenheim

There was huge disappointment after being knocked out in the second round of the cup competition. So, this week it is all about building confidence and gathering strength for Sunday’s encounter with TSG. “It’s important we get back on track in the league and try to go into the game with a 100 per cent attitude and produce the maximum passion and desire to compete,” declared Feifel ahead of the game.

“A strong opponent”

The Bayer 04 Women have won two out of three home games this season – the Feifel team have not dropped a single point in the last three league games. The target is to secure the next home victory on Sunday. Hoffenheim will be full of confidence after winning their last two matches on the bounce (4-2 in the DFB Cup against FC Ingolstadt and 1-0 in the league against newly promoted SV Meppen). “Hoffenheim are a strong opponent and are one of the top teams. The team has great quality and has been working together well for a long time and they have some high quality players,” said Feifel about the opponent’s strengths.

A win would be important for both teams in terms of remaining in the top half of the table. Ahead of matchday 8, Hoffenheim are sixth and hard on the heels of Leverkusen with one point and one position less. The Bayer 04 Women beat the Hoffenheim team last season when the came out on top with 3-2 win in extra time in a hard-fought DFB Cup quarter-final tie in June. After six league defeats in succession against TSG, the Black and Reds will do all they can on Sunday to repeat the success of the summer.

With the exception of long-term injuries, Bayer 04 have a full squad available. Pauline Wimmer is back in rehab after her torn cruciate, and the two goalkeepers Anna Wellmann (finger) and Joyce Prabel (torn muscle) are also unavailable. First choice keeper Anna Klink will have U17 shot-stopper Charlin Lazauskas as back-up.