‘Great respect for the dedication’: Women fight to get back to winning ways in Jena

"From a purely analytical point of view, the game against Wolfsburg has no relevance for us because of the way it went, so we quickly put it behind us," said the coach, referring to the early dismissal after 30 seconds for goalkeeper Charlotte Voll in the previous home game. With two players down - centre-back Lilla Turanyi also saw red shortly after half-time - the Werkself stood no chance against the Bundesliga runners-up. "The only palpable consequences are the two suspensions," said Pätzold: "The friendly against NAC Breda (8-1, ed.) was good to spread playing time and, above all, to gain confidence in attack. As will probably the case in Jena, we had to play an opponent as the favourites."

The international break was of mixed fortune for the Leverkusen Women. "All six players got game time and returned from their national teams with a sense of achievement," said Pätzold: "However, Carlotta Wamser and Claudia Wenger picked up knocks, so we'll have to wait and see. The fact we don't play until Sunday gives everyone more time to recover, especially as some players weren't able to take part in all the sessions during the international break."

keeper Moll centre stage: "full confidence"

One of these players is captain Friederike Repohl who is sidelined for the coming weeks due to a thigh injury. "Rike is our most experienced player and captain. You never want such a key leading player to be out, she's been one of the main reasons for the few goals we've conceded so far this season," said the coach: "We want her to come back as soon as possible, but we won't rush things." As substitute Voll was suspended for two games after her red card against the Wolves, third goalkeeper Anne Moll is now centre stage. "Anne gained 90 minutes of match practice against Wolfsburg due to the early red card, as well as in the friendly and before that through several appearances in the U23s," said Pätzold: "She made a number of good saves and prevented an even heavier defeat. We have every confidence in her."

The hosts from Jena are next to bottom in the table with two points from their first seven games. "Nevertheless, they had phases against all teams where they attacked courageously and were on the verge of picking up points," warned Pätzold: "Similar to Nürnberg, we need to be patient, have good risk management and good defence to avoid being exposed to counter-attacking situations. We have great respect for the dedication shown by Jena week in, week out." Not least due to his own squad issues, he expects "anything but a walkover".

Voll and Turanyi suspended for two games

In addition to Voll and Turanyi (both suspended for two games) and Repohl, Cornelia Kramer (muscle injury) and Shen Menglu (cruciate ligament) are also ruled out, while Wamser and Wenger, who have returned from their international trips with knocks, are doubtful. Sofie Zdebel and Loreen Bender will return to the squad.

Goalkeeping coach Patrick Bade was also shown a red card in the Wolfsburg game for unsporting conduct on the touchline. The DFB imposed a one-match ban on the 28-year-old. Even though a statement from Bayer 04 was not taken into account at the proceedings, the club accepted the judgement in the interests of final clarification.

Visiting fans who would like to support the Bayer 04 Women at Jena can purchase tickets in advance HERE at the online shop or from the matchday ticket office.