‘Absolute confidence in our ability’: Women go into derby with four wins in a row

"We've worked our way up after the opening defeat with three wins. We now want to maintain that run in the derby, knowing full well that there were two very close games last season," said the coach: "The league table is irrelevant in a game like this. Köln will be confident going into the game on the back of two wins. It will be a very special game in front of the derby crowd."

Pätzold: "handled the first phase of the season very well"

After the 2-0 defeat at Bayern Munich, the Werkself recently defeated the two promoted teams Union Berlin (3-2) and FC Nürnberg (1-0), Eintracht Frankfurt (2-1) and SV 07 Elversberg in the first round of the DFB Pokal (5-0). "We've won four games in a row and integrated a number of returning players well, so we have a good chance of bringing on a lot of quality during the game. We've already faced opponents with very different approaches this season and are well prepared for what awaits us," said Pätzold. "We have absolute confidence in our ability." His interim assessment after the start is correspondingly positive: "We’ve handled the first phase of the season very well despite a few players being injured. In the meantime, the personnel situation has eased so that we can be even stronger, more consistent and less predictable."

After eight players from the first team squad were ruled out in Elversberg, now only two players are doubtful Melissa Friedrich and Ida Daedelow (both recovering from illness) - in addition to Cornelia Kramer (muscle injury) and Shen Menglu (cruciate ligament rupture), who have been sidelined for some time. Selina Ostermeier is back in the squad for the first time this season following her muscle injury, as are Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Valentina Mädl (after knocks) and Lilla Turanyi (after muscular problems).

The FC Köln Women, who finished tenth in the table last season, started with three defeats under coach Britta Carlson, but recently won at SGS Essen (2-1) and in the DFB Pokal at VfR Warbeyen (6:0). "Köln have acted in a similar way to Nürnberg recently and adapted their basic organisation within the game," said Pätzold: "They've strengthened with a lot of quality and experience. There will be a lot of tackles, a high tempo and a high level of intensity. I expect a close, emotional game that we want to win with our quality and confidence."

away Tickets available – dfb Pokal draw on sunday

Away tickets for the clash at the Franz Kremer Stadium are available HERE from the Köln online shop and at the ticket office. Block H and the away standing area are available for away fans. Shortly before kick-off, supporters will find out who the next opponents for the Werkself in the DFB Pokal. From around 17:00 CEST, the draw for the Round of 16 ties will be held during the Sky programme "Skylights: Die #SkySportShow".