‘Patience and a good positional game’: Women welcome strong FC Nürnberg side

For the Werkself, the 2-1 victory at Union Berlin last Friday meant far more than just three points. Despite a total of ten players sidelined before the game, plus being down to ten players for almost half an hour after Ruby Grant was shown a red card, Leverkusen came back from being a goal down. "It was very important to start with a positive experience after the break. That gives us drive, motivation and self-confidence, especially in view of the personnel situation before the game," said Pätzold: "After the way the game went, the win should be rated even higher. We showed a huge amount of energy, were courageous in our pressing despite being outnumbered, attacked up front and caused problems for our opponents." He was encouraged by the performance in Köpenick, particularly with regard to his team's mental strength. "We can be proud of the way we defied the circumstances," said the coach.

Grant and Wamser suspended

The suspensions of Grant and Germany international Carlotta Wamser (fifth yellow card) further aggravate the personnel situation ahead of the home game against FC Nürnberg. Sofie Zdebel, Ida Daedelow, Amy Wrigge (all ill), Vanessa Haim (muscle injury), Charlotte Voll (shoulder injury) and Shen Menglu (rehab training after cruciate ligament rupture) are still sidelined. Lilla Turanyi is also ill. The position is unclear with the players missing in Berlin of Friederike Repohl, Cornelia Kramer (both after muscular problems), Loreen Bender, Valentina Mädl (after illness), but they have returned to training.

 The visitors from Bavaria have shone time and again this season, especially against teams from the top half of the table. "They put in a lot of energy, are defensively cohesive and strong in transition," said Pätzold: "We experienced that first-hand in the reverse fixture. They close down spaces tight, are very passionate in defence and even have more points than Union." Nevertheless, the coach believes in his team. "The previous meeting showed we can create some chances. We've gained experience and quality through many games against deep-lying opponents. We need patience and good positional play, we have to get into goal-scoring areas with purpose and with a high frequency." The 46-year-old believes that set pieces can also become a factor. "We want to assert ourselves with all our might in order to go into the direct duels against teams from the top with two positive results."

Anyone wishing to support the Werkself at the stadium on Saturday lunchtime can buy tickets HERE at the online shop or from the matchday ticket office from 11:00 CET.

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