‘Start a run’: Women welcome bottom-placed Jena - special edition ‘50 years of fan clubs’ jersey

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"Our aim is to win. The situation in the table and the quality of the team give us that. We want to live up to this expectation, knowing full well that it will be a difficult task," said Pätzold. Jena have repeatedly shown their resilience in recent weeks, most recently against Wolfsburg (0-2, ed.). Nevertheless, the focus is primarily on the team itself: "We're taking positives from the last few games, even if the results haven't always gone our way."

Pätzold expects "very big resistance"

For the coming weeks, the route remains clear. "We always wanted to be in contention for third place, you can say that even with the current position," declared Pätzold: "It's much more important for us to focus on our opponents." The coach expects "very strong opposition" from Jena who his team will face "with self-belief".

With a five-point gap to third place, that ensure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, Pätzold sees his team in the pursuers’ role: "It’s no longer completely in our own hands. It's about playing to win every game and putting pressure on the teams above us." The qualities to do so are there, as the comeback immediately after the winter break showed: "Now we want to invest everything in turning this potential into results. We want to clock up as many points as possible from now on and start that run against Jena."

Tactically, the task against the Thuringians is also clearly outlined. "They play deep and compact, put pressure on the players with the ball and are physical," said Pätzold: "We need to move the ball well and quickly in order to tire our opponents out and open up spaces." Work against the ball is just as crucial: "We want to force the opponent into making mistakes and need aggressive counter-pressing when we lose the ball." At the same time, the coach sounds a warning to be cautious: "Jena have shown they can be dangerous in counter-attacks - they often only need a few moves to do so." Patience and confidence are therefore key factors: "We can't take too many risks and need patience and confidence in our quality, regardless of the course of the game."

Merino Gonzalez and Haim return to squad

Kristin Kögel (muscular problems), who missed the game at VfL Wolfsburg (1-2), is doubtful. Estrella Merino Gonzalez (after muscular problems) and Vanessa Haim (after a muscle-tendon injury) are set to return to the squad. Loreen Bender (five yellow cards), Shen Menglu (muscular problems), Caroline Kehrer (renewed surgery on her right knee), Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate), Charlotte Voll, Louisa Remien (both rehab training) and Friederike Repohl (partial torn ligament) are sidelined.

special edition Jersey '50 years of fan clubs'

Just like the men’s first team in the Bundesliga home game against FSV Mainz 05, the Bayer 04 Women will also play in a special edition jersey on Sunday night to mark the 50th anniversary of fan clubs under the Cross. The special edition jersey is on open sale HERE . Tickets for the game on matchday 21 in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga are available HERE online in advance and from the matchday ticket office from 17:30 CET on Sunday.

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