Dominique Janssen on the Champions League final, DFB Cup triumph and the 2023 calendar year with the She-Wolves.
The past 12 months have been action-packed for the She-Wolves, including a UEFA Women’s Champions League final and DFB Cup success. In this interview, Dominique Janssen reflects on emotional moments, team spirit and the team’s aim to win two titles in 2023/24.
Dominique Janssen, there have been plenty of highs and lows for VfL this past year. Is there one moment in particular that has stuck in your memory?
Dominique Janssen: “Our path to the Champions League final was special. It was incredible that we got to the final after playing 120 minutes at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. All of the emotions that arose from that were very intense. It’s been a crazy year in which we had a lot of games, did a lot of travelling and celebrated winning the DFB Cup.”
One highlight must have been the Champions League final against Barcelona, where you unfortunately suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat. What was your experience of that?
Dominique: “Most of my family were there because it wasn’t far for them to go from Eindhoven. That was special, as was the fact the game was sold out and there were so many Dutch people there. I really enjoyed the first half but we were all disappointed and sad after the game. In the evening we still celebrated our season, which was a tough one, and we rounded the campaign off in a nice way.”
My feeling now is that we’re gradually finding our groove again.
Dominique JanssenAt the training camp in September you said you were looking forward to starting a new chapter at VfL. What have you made of it so far?
Dominique: “It’s frustrating that we didn’t qualify for the Champions League. On the other hand, I’ve got the feeling that it’s also actually done the team some good to have more time now. We can switch off from football and also have proper training sessions. My feeling now is that we’re gradually finding our groove again.”
What is the atmosphere like in the team overall?
Dominique: “It’s positive and laid back. We’ve all spent time together away from football. When I was injured, I was the team’s party organiser for a while. It’s important that you have good times together and create new memories. Having said that, I think lots of us are looking forward to the winter break in order to put football on the back burner for a short while and focus on our families, friends and ourselves.”
What are your plans over the Christmas period?
Dominique: “I like spending Christmas with my family. Last year I was at my boyfriend’s house and this year we’ll be with my family for the first time.”
The second half of the season is a long way away, but do you still find yourself thinking about it?
Dominique: “Definitely. When you have the time to reflect, you always want to do better the next year and to keep improving. The aim of the whole team is to hopefully win two titles.”
