Women's top match: Pätzold wants to ‘keep Frankfurt defence busy’

Although the coach still sees room for improvement "in many areas", his initial conclusion after three matches is positive. "We had a good game against Bayern Munich, where we could have done better, then a great battle against Union Berlin with a win that will feel even more significant in a few weeks' time. Nürnberg also made it as difficult as possible for us with their resources," said Pätzold: "We're satisfied with our points tally, perhaps it might even be one point too few. We got stuck into all three games and earned the points."

both Teams on six points

Eintracht Frankfurt, also on six points, will be looking to prevent Bayer 04 adding three more in the floodlit fixture on Thursday night (tickets are available HERE from the Bayer 04 online shop). "They are still one of the strongest attacking teams in the league. Thanks to their high tempo and individual class, they create a lot of clear-cut chances, which will be a big challenge for our defence," said the coach: "At the same time, however, they are much more vulnerable than at the same point last season, when they had the best defence for a long time."

In 2024/25, the Werkself competed well in both head-to-head encounters but only picked up one point. "We will need to be on top of our game to win this home match. The fact we gave less away in Munich compared with last season makes us feel positive," said Pätzold.

Pätzold hoping for "good Risk management"

In his view, many factors will have to be mastered on Thursday. "We need good risk management and we have to get close to the opposition goal quickly in order to keep the Frankfurt defence busy. We'll also need to defend well over the rest of the pitch, keep the opposition on their toes, counter-press hard and defend deep if they look to get behind our defence," said the 46-year-old: "The fact we've had one more day's rest than they have could be a factor, because we'll probably have to do a lot of running, especially off the ball."

That also applies to Germany international Carlotta Wamser who will face her former club after just four matchdays. The 21-year-old played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2022 until the end of last season, with a six-month break. "She was very vocal in expressing her motivation in the meeting after the Nürnberg game," revealed Pätzold: "She's already very ambitious and the clash with her old club might take it a bit higher."

Bartz out again, Friedrich doubtful

In addition to the still sidelined Cornelia Kramer (muscle injury), Selina Ostermeier, Amy Wrigge (both in training after muscle injuries) and Shen Menglu (torn cruciate), Paulina Bartz, who missed the Nürnberg game, is out again due to an infection. The involvement of centre-back Melissa Friedrich (out due to a knock) is doubtful.