'Found the right characters': Feifel assesses the Women's team in 2024

Achim, what's your assessment of 2024 on the pitch?

Feifel: "In last season’s Rückrunde we again achieved our target of finishing in the top half of the table. Nevertheless, we decided to make changes to the squad and the staff. The new structure had a very positive influence in the Hinrunde on the individual development of the players and of the whole team. We are very happy with that. Our position is one thing but even more important is what stands behind it. We want to develop in all aspects of football and we are currently on the right track."

What are the reasons for the team's success?

Feifel: "Our coach Roberto Pätzold has brought a new approach to the team: The intensity in training and in games is higher, we play attacking football at a high tempo without weakening the defence. On top of that, the levels of aggression and the desire to win are right. A lot of players who stayed at Leverkusen have made a big step forward since the summer. Our scouting is a result of these components where we not only look at sporting ability but also personality traits. With our new players we have not only gained valuable quality on the pitch but also found the right characters who are enormously important for a well-functioning team. There is also a very good atmosphere amongst the staff and the surroundings."

How do you deal with this situation going into the Rückrunde?

Feifel: "It would be a mistake if we just look at the position in the table, the success of the previous approach underlines that and we don't want to leave that path. Our focus must continue to be on further developing the individual potential of the players. There's always room for improvement also in working together as a team in all phases of the game. We want to keep going with our work instead of getting into flights of fancy. If we succeed with that then positive results will continue to come automatically."

What are the factors for continuing to be successful in the year ahead?

Feifel: "The top priority is keeping the team together as best as possible. On that basis, we only want to make few changes, if any, up to the summer. Our scouting profile remains unchanged. The focus of our philosophy also covers the development of young players. On top of that, we want to strengthen our squad with experienced players in the future as that mix is the mark of our team. Experienced players lead the younger ones who in turn put pressure on them and that ensures healthy competition. That blend will bring us forward in the future too.”