‘Start a new run’: Women at home to SGS Essen

The frustration of the first away defeat of the season after winning seven successive games did not linger for long with the Leverkusen women after last Friday . "We've had enough time to process the game. The match shows the positive development we've made since the reverse fixture," said coach Roberto Pätzold: "We played very well after a difficult opening phase and we can look in the mirror in good conscience and now look forward to starting a new run."

After an impressive season last term, crowned with a finish in fourth place, SGS have not been as successful so far this season. They are currently ninth with just two wins and eight points. Albeit Essen have played one game less than their rivals. The opening fixture of the year against FC Köln last weekend was postponed late on due to a frozen pitch at the stadium and the game will be now be played on Tuesday. "After the winter break, competitive fitness is an important subject," said Pätzold whose team played the rearranged match at SC Freiburg before the Frankfurt game: "We had two intense and, apart from results, good games with lots of chances on goal. That definitely gives us great confidence. On the other hand, Essen can be very relaxed going into the game given the situation in the table."

If the Werkself can pick up the next three points of the season on Matchday 14 against SGS that would bring 32 points with eight match days to play – and that would be one less than their previous best season in the Bundesliga in 2020/21. However, Pätzold is only focused on the coming home game. "There are as many points to pick up as there were against Frankfurt. The challenge could even be more difficult because we are less able to assess where Essen are at the moment. With the postponed game against Köln there are certain question marks and they again and again just to the opponents," he warned: "We have to be prepared for many eventualities but primarily concentrate on our game as usual, which Essen have to deal with."

And the convincing 2-0 win in the previous meeting is no yardstick for him as Essen now have a better squad. "At the end of the Hinrunde they competed on equal terms in certain games and they have a lot of quality," said the 45-year-old.

Repohl RETURNS

The captain Friederike Repohl is back in goal after recovering from a viral infection. Synne Skinnes Hansen and Paulina Bartz are again options for the squad after being sidelined for months. Loreen Bender (after tonsils operation) is still ruled out as are Vanessa Haim (back problems) and Sofia Cava Marin (torn cruciate).

Tickets from Online Shop and matchdAY TICKET OFFICE

Tickets for the first home game of 2025 are available HERE from the online shop and from the matchday ticket office on the day of the game. The two streaming providers MagentaSport and DAZN are broadcasting the match live as usual.

Werkself Live for matchday is available here: