‘Be brave and give our all’: Women ready for run-in ahead of Freiburg clash

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"We want to have maximum focus on what's in our hands and win our games. That will increase the pressure on the teams above us, as we can't influence anything else," said Pätzold, setting out a clear course of action: "We'll continue to be brave and give our all to get the maximum number of points out of the season. Another win would be an important step and underlines our ambition for the run-in." With four matchdays to go, the gap to third place, which ensures participation in the Champions League qualifiers, is five points.

High Intensity in Training

Almost a month has passed since Leverkusen's last Bundesliga appearance, the convincing 3-1 win at Hamburger SV. "The break came at an unfavourable time from our point of view because we had a very good rhythm beforehand," said Pätzold: "Due to the internationals and many different workloads, the starting position has been somewhat mixed, but the team quickly found its focus again." With all the national team players back on board, the coach has observed impressive sessions on the pitch over the past few days. "A high level of intensity and great aggression were there from the start of the week," he says: "All the players are aware of the competitive situation and have kept the level high in training accordingly."

He expects SCF, who are seventh in the table on 30 points, to be "a tactically very well-organised team that can always create dangerous moments". The team from the Black Forest underlined that, not least in the 2-1 win in the Hinrunde when the Werkself squandered a lead. "Even then, they showed they can be effective even with little possession. That's why it will be important for us to find a good balance between attack and defence," said Pätzold: "We have a lot of respect, but we want to play our game and dominate our opponents."

contact extension for Merino Gonzalez: "impressive development"

A positive signal was sent out on Thursday with the contract extension by two years for right-back Estrella Merino Gonzalez. "Despite her young age, Estrella is an absolute regular first choice and has developed impressively over the past two years. She has become a key player in the U23 national team and has already been on standby for the senior national team," said Pätzold: "She has exactly the profile we need for our style of play: attack-minded, a strong footballer and with a very good mentality. The fact she chose us despite other offers also shows the good prospects with our approach. We are very happy to have her with us."

Voll returns

Werkself fans can buy tickets for Sunday’s game online HERE. There are question marks over the availability of Melissa Friedrich, Valentina Mädl and Juliette Vidal (all injured). Charlotte Voll (after shoulder injury) is set to return. Friederike Repohl (recovery training after ligament injury), Caroline Kehrer (after knee surgery) and Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate) are still sidelined.

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