‘We're not going as tourists’: Pätzold and Wamser eagerly await Women's opener in Munich in front of record crowd

"The atmosphere will be electric. Many of us have never played in front of so many people before. You just have to accept that, it will be very good," said Wamser, who played herself into the spotlight with Germany at the Euros finals in Switzerland, ahead of her first competitive match for the Werkself: "We're delighted to be able to show what we can do in front of so many spectators. You play football for moments like that in front of so many fans at a big stadium."

Pätzold is also looking forward to the start on the biggest possible stage in the history of the Women's Bundesliga. "The preseason has been very protracted and the prospect of this game has carried us through some tough sessions. We're delighted to be able to play the opening game in front of such a big crowd." At the same time, he emphasised the sporting ambition of his team, who finished fourth last season in a better position than ever before: "We're not going there as tourists to enjoy the occasion. Ideally, we want to get a result there."

Fernando Carro, CEO, and Thomas Eichin, director of professional teams, will also fly to Munich with the team. Around 300 visiting fans from Leverkusen are also expected. "We are very grateful that so many Bayer 04 fans are making the journey to support us," says Pätzold: "Fernando often attends our matches despite his busy schedule. This regular support makes us very happy."

Pätzold: "repeat performance levels and results"

On the pitch, the coach wants to pick up with his team where the Werkself left off in 2024/25. "After some major upheavals in recent years, our aim was to keep the majority of the team together. We want to develop a team that can establish themselves in the table and compete there permanently like last year," says Pätzold: "That will be difficult enough because the level of performance in women's football is getting tighter and tighter. Our aim is to repeat our performances levels and results and develop bit by bit. After the tough preseason, we are all looking forward to seeing what it looks like under competitive conditions."

As with last season, goalkeeper Friederike Repohl will lead the team onto the pitch as captain. Together with the 31-year-old Kristin Kögel and Melissa Friedrich, she will remain on the team committee alongside newcomers Sofie Zdebel and Cornelia Kramer.

Selina Ostermeier and Amy Wrigge (muscle injuries), Caroline Kehrer (recovery training) and the long-term injured Shen Menglu (torn cruciate) will not be available in Munich, while Loreen Bender (knock) is doubtful. Anyone wanting to support the Werkself at short notice can purchase remaining tickets HERE from FC Bayern's online ticket shop. For all those staying at home, Bayer 04 is organising a watch party at the Schwadbud where, among other things, a home jersey signed by the entire Women's team will be raffled off. Further information can be found HERE.