Back
22.04.2021Women

Women: ‘Show appropriate reaction’ against Essen

When the floodlights come on at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Friday night and the Bayer 04 Women entertain SGS Essen on matchday 18 in the FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga (kick-off: 19.15 CEST) it will be the starting shot for the season run-in. There are 04 games left to play this term – and the team under head coach Achim Feifel could move a step closer to achieving the target for the season of finishing in the top half of the table on Friday.
crop_unbenannt_0010-410.jpg

Ahead of the West clash, the primary aim for the Bayer 04 Women is to deal with the setback of last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. “The effects of the game are still evident in our legs. I didn’t think we would have another game this season as difficult to get into as the one against Bremen,” admitted Achim Feifel, whose contract has been extended by three years this week. “We have to put everything into the final run-in that we can. The Bremen match was definitely not a walk in the park, quite the opposite: Teams threatened by relegation throw everything into the mix from mentality through to the will to win to stay in the league. We weren’t prepared for that in Bremen. We can expect the same against SV Meppen and SC Sand.” The coach wants to see “an appropriate reaction” to the recent defeat in Friday’s game against Essen.

“It will be an open game”

Ahead of the clash, SGS Essen, in seventh place, are not too far behind the Werkself Women with a five-point deficit having played one game less. “Essen lost a lot of key players in the summer and they had to put a new team together but they have progressed well over the course of the season. They have young, hungry players who can counter attack quickly, a dangerous attack and a plan of how to play their games,” warned Feifel. “Therefore, I think it will be an open game.”

Matysik set to make comeback

After a long injury lay-off, Sylwia Matysik will be able to make her comeback against Essen. There is a question mark over Henrietta Csiszár who returned from international duty with Hungary with an ankle problem. Definitely ruled out against SGS are Viktoria Pinther (back problem), Verena Wieder (knee), Lara Marti (calf) and Jessica Wich, who has suffered another knee injury.

Live on Eurosport

For the third time in succession, the Bayer 04 Women’s home game on Friday will be broadcast live on Eurosport. The last two games ended in victory – “Perhaps, we have one or two players who might get a boost when the game is on TV. If that’s the case then hopefully it will work again on Friday,” said the Bayer 04 coach with a smile.

RASENREPORT AS E-PAPER

More on the game, the two squads, matchday information and an interview with Gianna Rackow are in the current RasenreportHERE is the e-paper.

 

Related News

Luca Erlein
Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Talented defender with a promising future: Luca Erlein profiled

Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes bei der Vertragsunterschrift
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Bayer 04 sign Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.

Show more
Neue Kaffee-Partnerschaft mit Imping
Business - 24.07.2026

Imping is Bayer 04’s new coffee partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.

Show more