‘The toughest possible draw’: Women kick off DFB Pokal campaign at Viktoria Berlin

“As the second division leaders, Viktoria Berlin are the toughest possible draw in the first round. That makes it all the easier for us to keep the excitement levels high and stay in competitive rhythm ahead of the international break,” said Pätzold: “We’ve shown we can perform away from home and we’re taking our opponents very seriously. Much like Union Berlin or VfB Stuttgart in the past, they are not your typical second-division side; instead, they have big ambitions and boast several players with top-flight experience. There is absolutely no reason to underestimate them.” Viktoria’s six wins from their first seven second-division matches speak for themselves.

praise for Berlin Project: "a great asset"

The 47-year-old, who was born in Bernau near Berlin, is also following the Berlin club’s overall project with interest. “By focusing on women in the football business and through its extensive marketing, the club is doing a great deal to boost the promotional impact of women’s football.” In his view, therefore, Viktoria would “certainly be a great asset to the Women’s Bundesliga”.

Regardless of the opposition, the Werkself want to put their own style of play into practice on the pitch. “Our principles – regardless of the opposition – are, above all, a high tempo, high intensity and a direct attacking approach,” said Pätzold. If they can stick to this consistently, it will be difficult for the second-tier side to keep up for the entire match – “bearing in mind that, as the underdogs in an all-or-nothing game, they can take more risks,” the coach pointed out.

He is pleased with the team’s start to the season, having picked up nine points from five matches, all of which were away fixtures. “We’ve delivered given the pressure of expectations from ourselves and the public. We could have picked up points in the two difficult home matches too (Wolfsburg and Bayern, ed.),” said Pätzold.

skipper Simon back in full training

As far as the squad is concerned, there are signs that at least one player is set to return. Natasha Kowalski is fit again after recovering from illness. Captain Carolin Simon returned to full training this week following her muscle injury. Cornelia Kramer (personal reasons), Valentina Mädl (muscle injury), Melissa Friedrich (knock) and Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate) are currently sidelined.

broadcast on ZDF Livestream

Anyone wishing to support the Bayer 04 women’s team in person in Berlin can get tickets for the match at the Lichterfelde Stadium HERE. There is also a ZDF livestream starting at 13:50 CEST HERE.