‘Every team is vulnerable’: Bayer 04 Women host double winners FC Bayern

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“As in every home game, we’ll be going all out – fuelled by the confidence we’ve gained from our previous matches. We want to make life as difficult as possible for Bayern and we firmly believe we have a chance,” said the 47-year-old. The Leverkusen Women are well aware of the scale of the task, but at the same time see opportunities against FC Bayern, who have gone 45 league matches unbeaten across two seasons. “We know a lot has to go our way and that our opponents can’t be at their best,” said Pätzold.

Pätzold: "maintain our quality in the closing stages"

In the league matches so far this season, his team has shown that it can create chances even against the strongest opponents. Against the Munich side, the defence in particular needs to be even more solid. “We must manage to concede fewer goals than we did against Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim,” said Pätzold. The coach sees an opportunity for his side, particularly as the match progresses. In recent years, the Werkself have often run out of steam in the closing stages of their matches against Bayern Munich – not least because of the strength of the FCB bench. “We’re confident we can keep the match evenly balanced for a long time and then maintain our high standards right through to the fend of the game,” said the coach.

Despite the flawless FCB record so far this term, Pätzold also sees areas to exploit against the double winners. “Every team is vulnerable; after all, Bayern have already conceded two goals,” he said. He has noted particular weaknesses in their transition play and in defending large spaces behind the defence. His team intends to capitalise on these situations. At the same time, it is vital to prevent the Munich side from creating dangerous opportunities as much as possible. “We want to avoid set-pieces. Bayern have shown that they possess great quality, particularly in tight phases of the game, and set-pieces can be the key.”

"…the more things will go our way"

To strike a balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity, Pätzold is calling above all for greater clarity in the team’s play. “We need to ensure we lose possession far less frequently near our goal. Teams of this calibre punish that mercilessly,” said the coach, referring to the recent home match against Wolfsburg (1–2) and the game at Hoffenheim (2–1). He also calls for a strong “rescue mentality”, confidence in the team’s defensive strength and mutual support. “The longer we can keep it tight, the more things will go our way,” says Pätzold.

skipper Simon misses reunion with former club

Team captain Carolin Simon will miss the game due to a muscle injury, as will Valentina Mädl. "Their absence is a blow and limits our options. But the team has recently demonstrated week after week that it remains competitive despite last-minute absences,” Pätzold added. In addition to Simon and Mädl, Sofie Zdebel (one-match ban), Melissa Friedrich (knock) and Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate) are also sidelined.

Varied programme of matchday events

Tickets for the floodlit home match are available HERE. To mark this top-of-the-table clash, Bayer 04 offers fans a varied programme of events. Alongside a number of interactive activities and competitions with attractive prizes, there will also be a half-time challenge on the pitch at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for the first time. Details of the activities will be available on Monday morning in the ‘Matchday news’ on bayer04.de