With the international break now at an end, the season enters its decisive phase for the VfL women. On Wednesday, March 14th (kick-off 18:00 CET), at the AOK-Stadion, the Lady-Wolves face a repeat of the DFB-Cup final clashes from the past two seasons, when they play host to SC Sand. This time around however, the Green-Whites meeting with the side coached by Sascha Glass takes place two rounds earlier, at the quarter-final stage! Before face SC Sand, who were also the Lady-Wolves last opponents in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga some three weeks ago, VfL head-coach Stephan Lerch spoke about…
…the up-coming tie: The finals against SC Sand were always very intensive. They are all-or-nothing games. For us, it's truly a highlight to play in the cup. We are prepared for another intensive and tight game. Against Sand in the league, we saw that we will have to be patient. SC will undoubtedly be looking to make use of their chance.
…his own team: Our team is highly self-motivated and very focused about the tasks ahead. We want to win the game and progress to the next round. That's the goal of every player though, so we won't be underestimating our opponents. We know Sand have good players and they really pushed us in the league game.
…the approach on Wednesday: We are concentrated on ourselves and imposing our game. We are preparing for Sand coming at us more regularly, which could then open up space for us to operate in. We need to get a precise passing game going and expose the gaps, but we are also prepared to play the odd long-ball, should the space present itself behind the back-line.
…the personnel situation: Luckily, aside from Babett Peter, Vanessa Bernauer and Meret Wittje, we've had no further injuries. The players were a little tired upon their return from their respective national teams, but that's totally normal after such intensive weeks. The German players have also had jet-lag to deal with, generally though, they are all on the way to regaining their rhythm. Ewa Pajor was involved in the bulk of team training, but it's a little too early for her to be involved. We have a strong squad that can compensate for the absentees. The situation just draws us closer together.
Women
