The last-minute win over Hamburger SV on Wednesday left Leverkusen with an excellent record of 19 points from the first nine league games of the season. "It's a quality of this team that they never give up and then manage to find something extra in stoppage time," said Pätzold. "The three points are very valuable, but after two days off that game is behind us. We're going into this significantly more rested than on Wednesday. Our squad doesn't currently allow for much rotation, so we're thankful for the match being on Monday. We'll need all our strength and energy to hold our own at Freiburg."
The fact it's three years since the Werkself last lost to Freiburg, currently in seventh place with 13 points, is of little importance to Pätzold. "With the amount of personnel changes, statistics that go back over seasons are relative and have no relevance for us. Freiburg have found their feet well in the season and have great qualities particularly in attack. Even the last three matches, which they've lost, could have all turned out differently," continued the coach. "They were the dominant side and had a lot of chances, but weren't effective enough. So, in spite of recent results we're warned."
The Bayer 04 boss knows the strengths of the opponents: "They're a settled and very hardworking team, where you can identify patterns and processes. We expect a tight game that will be decided by little details." That's where the two wins in the games against Hamburg (2-1) and FC Carl Zeiss Jena (4-2) could benefit Leverkusen. "With the confidence from the last two weeks, we want to work the momentum in our favour and crown a busy week with the third win," declared Pätzold.
After her two-match ban, Charlotte Voll will return between the posts in the continued absence of injured captain Friederike Repohl. "Charly is our number two and will return in goal. Anne Moll filled in brilliantly for her when required," confirmed Pätzold. Centre-back Lilla Turanyi is also available again after suspension, while Juliette Vidal and Ruby Grant return to the squad after their recent knocks. Carlotta Wamser won't travel to Freiburg, though, as she's still nursing an injury. Cornelia Kramer (muscle injury) and Shen Menglu (cruciate ligament) remain sidelined, too.
Bayer 04 have fond memories of their encounters with Heidenheim, including a resounding 6-0 win in the reverse fixture. Kasper Hjulmand’s side would very much like to produce a similarly clinical display as they now head to the Voith-Arena for Matchday 27 on Saturday (15:30 CET). But they come up against a team fighting for their Bundesliga lives at the bottom of the table, 10 points adrift of safety with time running out. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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The Bayer 04 Women welcome FC Carl Zeiss Jena to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Sunday night in a white retro look - and in a unique Bayer 04 ‘50 Years of Fan Clubs’ special edition jersey. In sporting terms, head coach Roberto Pätzold's team will face the Bundesliga's bottom team at 18:30 CET looking to keep their chances of third place in the table alive with six games left to play.
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Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action this weekend. Following their elimination in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, the Werkself are away to FC Heidenheim 1846 on Saturday, 21 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET) on Bundesliga matchday 27. Ahead of the clash in the eastern Swabian Alps, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the importance of the fixture and the chances of qualifying for the Champions League next term.
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A quick look at the table shows the situation at FC Heidenheim is serious. The Bundesliga bottom club are already ten points behind the play-off spot with their backs to the wall in sporting terms. With eight games left to play, avoiding relegation appears to be a mission impossible. Nevertheless, they are far from flying the white flag at the Schlossberg ahead of the clash with the Werkself this Saturday, 21 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without the two strikers in the immediate future. Caroline Kehrer suffered a torn ligament in her right knee and Amy Wrigge tore her cruciate ligament.
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