‘Still have brutal quality’: Women away to rivals Eintracht Frankfurt

Thanks to the two wins against Union Berlin (2-1) and against FC Nürnberg (4-0), coach Roberto Pätzold's team has built up a small cushion of four points over Eintracht - also due to the fact the Frankfurt club had to postpone their home game against TSG Hoffenheim twice due to the weather. "We went into the winter break with a deficit and set out to make up for it. After two games, we've already managed to do that and now third place is in our own hands," said the coach: "Despite some personnel problems, we've boosted our confidence and also shown how important every player in the squad is."

Pätzold: "More opportunities to react during the game"

The manner of the win against FCN was also encouraging. "The convincing victory against FC Nürnberg, who have caused big problems for a lot of teams, is a signal to the competition that we are ready," says Pätzold: "Now we are pleased the situation is easing in terms of personnel. We have more opportunities to react during the game again." The former Frankfurt player Carlotta Wamser and Ruby Grant return after suspension, and Lilla Turanyi, Ida Daedelow (after illness) and Cornelia Kramer (after muscular problems) are also available again. Amy Wrigge (illness), Vanessa Haim (tendon injury), Charlotte Voll (shoulder) and Shen Menglu (rehab training after torn cruciate) are still sidelined.

With more options, the Werkself will be looking to impress as they did in the 2-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde. After finishing third last season, Eintracht are currently seventh on 24 points in the 2025/26 league campaign. "They have often struggled to win games where they’ve been on top this season, plus the double burden of the Europa Cup," said Pätzold: "After the departures in defence, they were much more vulnerable at the back for a long time than in the first half of last season and therefore reacted on the transfer market."

Nevertheless, the coach knows: "They still have brutal quality, can start a winning streak at any time and are always capable of scoring goals. But they are also vulnerable at the same time." This should make the match all the more interesting in terms of the rest of the season. "It may not sound like a top match in terms of the table, but Frankfurt are one of our main rivals in the battle for a top spot behind Bayern and Wolfsburg," said Pätzold.

Frankfurt four points behind

To get a result against Eintracht, the coach is calling for "a very cohesive team performance to stand up to them and to cause them problems with our attacks." As the hosts had to cancel their clash with Hoffenheim on Wednesday due to the unplayable pitch at the Stadion am Brentanobad, the gap to the Werkself has grown to four points. "The situation is certainly more tense for Frankfurt than it is for us," said Pätzold: "The pitch won't be in top condition, so I'm expecting a very competitive game."

Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe, brought in on loan from Liverpool at the end of the transfer window, could be in the squad. "She's fit and made a very positive first impression in training," says the coach: "Of course, she'll need some time to get used to the team, the style of play and the processes, but she's a very open person and has already shown flashes of her ability in the first few sessions."

away Tickets available online and from matchday ticket office

Anyone wanting to support the Werkself at the game on Saturday afternoon can get tickets HERE from the Eintracht Frankfurt online shop or the matchday ticket office.