Women

“Getting better all the time”

Janina Minge on her contract extension and the mid-season break.

Around six months on from her move to VfL, it’s hard to imagine the She-Wolves’ squad without midfielder Janina Minge. Out of a total of 23 competitive matches this season, she’s featured in 22, which makes it all the more important that the 25-year-old signed a contract extension until 2028 this week. In an interview from the team’s training camp in Portugal, Minge discusses her decision, her first few months with the Green-and-Whites and the preparations for the second half of the season.

Janina Minge, congratulations on your contract extension! We’re very happy about it. What was the key to your decision?

Janina Minge: “It’s been a really great start for me here. The offer of an extension also showed to me that the club has a lot of confidence in me. The fact the club wants to plan with me for the longer term was a nice signal for me, so I didn’t have to consider the request for long. I quickly made up my mind that I want to continue here for the long term.”

How have you settled in Wolfsburg?

Janina: “It’s been made really easy for me. The good thing was that I already knew quite a few of the girls from the national team, so the team weren’t completely new to me, although we do have a very big squad. But I think that the training camps and the many training sessions and trips we've been on together have helped me to find my feet very quickly.”

What are your personal and team goals for the second half of the season?

Janina: “I obviously hope that we continue on the up. We certainly felt in the first half of the season that we were getting better all the time and gaining momentum. I think we’re well in the mix in all competitions and are in a good position. It’s going to be exciting. Of course, we’re going to give our all to win the clashes against our direct rivals and keep pace at the top of the table.”

You’re currently at the training camp in Portugal. How are you finding it here?

Janina: “We have perfect conditions. The pitch and the hotel are great, as is the atmosphere. The nice weather certainly makes a difference. You notice that everyone’s keen to play football again and looking forward to it finally starting again. We’ve had some very successful but also intensive days, and I think we can take a lot from it so far.”