Bayer 04 Women on hunt for records in Essen

The fact the fourteenth win of the season would top the previous club record in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is of secondary importance to Pätzold as is the possibility of equalling the 43 points his team ended up with in the record 2024/25 season. "Of course, those are nice peripheral aspects. But you also have to say the situation in the league is different," he said referring to the increased number of clubs in the league, which means there are four more games compared to last season: "Such records can have a certain significance for the future, but our focus is on continuing to pick up points and moving up the table. If we manage to do that, records will come automatically. It's not that important to the players at the moment."

Hinrunde defeat "additional motivation"

More pressing for the Werkself than possible records was the equally unfortunate and surprising 1-0 defeat in the Hinrunde. "That game is still fresh in our minds, even though some time has passed since then. It could provide some additional motivation," said Pätzold: "But for us, the clear priority is that we want to continue our winning run. It’s still down to us because the teams ahead of us are also picking up points."

Meanwhile, SGS are fighting for survival in the top flight. With three matchdays to go, they are three points away from safety in the drop zone and also have a worse goal difference than promoted Hamburger SV. "Regardless of the Hinrunde result, it will be a big challenge because Essen need every point in their relegation battle," said the coach: "We're expecting a very intense, physical game where we’ll have to give our all. That's why we want and need to continue to be as strong and clinical up front as we have been recently."

Meanwhile, Leverkusen are five points behind third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. The team from Hessen do not play until Monday night when they face FC Nürnberg. "We want and need to win our game to make up ground," said Pätzold: "It's difficult to predict a lot of things in the final phase of the season. Of course, a win can also have an impact on our rivals, but the decisive factor is that we perform."

Fudalla in race for top golascorer award

Regardless of her team's position in the table, Vanessa Fudalla has a good chance of being crowned top goalscorer at the end of the season. With 14 goals, the 24-year-old is currently one behind Selina Cerci (TSG Hoffenheim) and Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich) - also because she allowed her previously goalless team-mate Cornelia Kramer to take a penalty in the 4-1 home win against SC Freiburg with the score at 2-0. Pätzold believes in positive karma for his goalscorer. "The best way for us to support her is to continue to perform at a high level as a team and create a lot of attacks. Then she'll automatically get her chance to score goals," says the 46-year-old: "She's already having an outstanding season. Of course, it would be great if she were to come out on top in the end despite the strong competition. To achieve this, we have to continue to play with courage and purpose going forwards. That helps both the team and the individual players."

Repohl back in full training

Juliette Vidal could return to the squad after recovering from a knock, captain Friederike Repohl is back in team training following her partial torn ligament. Caroline Kehrer (after knee surgery) and Amy Wrigge (cruciate ligament rupture) are still sidelined. Anyone wanting to support the Werkself at the stadium on Hafenstraße can get tickets HERE from the SGS online shop or at the matchday ticket office.