This Sunday, the VfL ladies will be vying for a place in this year’s women’s DFB Cup final. Kick-off against SGS Essen in the AOK Stadion is set for 15:10 CET. Prior to the game, coach Stephan Lerch commented on….
… the personnel situation: All players who were away with their respective national teams have returned unscathed and we have no further injury concerns – with the exception of Jana Burmeister, who is currently struggling with a knee problem. We are still waiting for a more definite diagnosis.
… the up-coming opponents: Essen have immense quality on the attack. Lea Schüller, Linda Dallmann and Nicole Anyomi are all players with great pace and individual class. They have good players at the back too though. Essen have made some very good signings in recent weeks. They have achieved some good results and shown strong displays. However, I believe my players all have their own high level of motivation to perform at their very best in such games and deliver.
… his demands on his team: We need to remain compact in defence and hit on the attack with tempo. In this game the minor details will be decisive. Telling situations can be created through small errors or lapses in concentration. We must hold our nerve, concentrate on the job at hand and avoid making errors, whilst forcing mistakes from our opponents.
… the motivation in a cup semi-final: In a cup semi-final, I expect all players from both teams to be extremely highly motivated. It’s the game that leads to the final in Cologne. That is a highlight and one you want to experience.
Women
