‘Focus on attacking moves’: Women finish winter training camp in the Algarve

A total of 30 players, including Kristin Kögel, who was only able to be on site for the second half due to illness, took part in the sessions at the Complexo Desportivo de VRSA sports centre in temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees. "We found very good conditions here and were also able to manage the workload well due to the number of players available," said Pätzold: "We gained a good impression, were able to use the time in good weather to work on tactics, able to interrupt sometimes and to rehearse a lot of moves. Because we also had short travel time between the hotel, gym and training ground, it was an all-round successful training camp."

The fact some players did not play in the friendly against Swiss leaders Servette FCCF (3-0) did nothing to change that."Of course, we didn't want to take any risks of anyone getting seriously injured, especially after we had an internal friendly on Monday where almost everyone played," said Pätzold about physical management the day before the flight back to Germany. "We only had around two weeks off over New Year, so the players didn't lose much fitness. Unfortunately, however, we had a small wave of illness and one or two of them also got sick here at the training camp."

Even with a slightly depleted squad, the team managed to realise the pre-set training priorities. "The Hinrunde showed we can be even more effective, especially when it comes to creating and capitalising on goal-scoring opportunities to increase the likelihood of winning more games," said the coach: "That's why our focus was on attacking moves and bringing our positioning onto the pitch in competitive conditions. All of this in much better weather than in sub-zero temperatures at home." The Leverkusen players also rehearsed different variations of set pieces in two sessions.

Servette friendly a "successful warm-up" for Union

The team impressed their coach in the friendly against Servette, particularly in the first half. "We definitely brought a lot of things onto the pitch we'll need in the coming weeks," he said. Pätzold therefore saw the game as a "successful warm-up" for Friday's match (18:30 CET) at newly promoted Union Berlin. Last Monday, two days after arriving in Monte Gordo in the Faro district, the Werkself simulated competitive pressure in an internal friendly.

In addition to the friendlies, there were six regular training sessions in the stadium just 2.5 kilometres from the Hotel Apartamento Dunamar and a joint physical work-out, there was also plenty of time for non-football activities. Sporting director Achim Feifel used the week together for one-on-one meetings with all the players. Many players took the opportunity to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean, which is right next to the hotel, almost every day. On the training-free Wednesday afternoon, some of the players explored the town of Monte Gordo in small groups. The following day, the team held a brief meeting with German Olympic 400-metre runner Alica Schmidt and presented her with a signed jersey.

Team building with obstacle course

The afternoon was all about team building, led by sports psychologist Simon Borgmann. At a total of four stops the team had to demonstrate various characteristics such as determination, courage and risk-taking, unity as well as being calm and strong nerves. In the end, everyone mastered an obstacle course together. After the friendly and a relaxing last night, the Bayer 04 travelling party flew back home from Faro airport early on Saturday morning.

After Sunday off, the last training sessions before the competitive restart are on the agenda from Monday. "We've now spent two weeks mainly working with the ball. That's why we'll certainly have one or two more sessions on pressing," said Pätzold: "But in general, the focus will be more on preparing for the opponent and on the options that seem promising to us. Then we want to travel to Berlin rested, fresh and hopefully with a full squad."