Despite the disappointment of losing 2-1, coach Roberto Pätzold has taken a lot of positives from his team’s display against Wolfsburg. “We saw we can absolutely be on a par with one of the league’s top teams. We were the dominant side at times and weren’t far off getting a point,” said the 47-year-old. “But we need to step things up in being clinical. We can be proud of the energy we played with the intensity we demanded of the opposition.”
Hoffenheim finished fourth last season but are yet to get off the mark after two games in 2026/27. However, Pätzold is expecting to face a similar level of quality. “They haven’t had a good start and will definitely feel uncertain in some areas, but we can’t be fooled by that. They’re still a top team that’s had chances to change the result in both games. We want to build pressure from the start and make sure the opposition feels our quality and power. Then we’ve got a good chance of leaving as winners,” the coach stated.
Even the departures of Carlotta Wamser to Manchester City and Ruby Grant to Sporting Lisbon have not altered the Werkself’s ambitions for the season. “Women’s football has now become so fast-paced too that a certain sense of normality has already returned this week. The change may unleash new energy in some members of the squad who stand to benefit from it. Given the short timeframe, we didn’t make any further moves in the transfer market because no option arose that we were all convinced of. In doing so, we’ve also sent a clear signal that we’re absolutely convinced of the quality of the squad,” Pätzold added.
The Werkself are set to have previously injured trio Loreen Bender, Caroline Kehrer and Emily Wallrabenstein available for the game at the Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion, but Melissa Friedrich (knock) and Amy Wrigge (cruciate ligament) are still out.
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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