When VfL Women take on SGS Essen on Saturday 30 March (kick-off 13:00 CET) in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup, for Dominique Janssen it’s also a meeting with the club where she started her professional career. In this interview, the defender explains what makes the She-Wolves‘ opponents dangerous, how VfL intend to approach the game and her milestone. For Janssen, who will leave Wolfsburg when her contract expires in the summer, it’s clear she wants to win the cup with the club for a fifth and final time.
Dominique Janssen, you played for SGS from 2013 to 2015. Are clashes against Essen extra special for you?
Dominique Janssen: “Yes, definitely. Although it was a while ago, I still often think back to that time. I pretty much started my professional career at SGS. Markus Högner was also coach back then, and one or two players from that period are still there.”
You even got to a cup final with Essen 10 years ago. What do you think it is that makes Essen particularly strong in the cup?
Dominique: “The cup final with Essen was an awesome experience. I was 18 years old and it was the first time I played in front of such a big crowd. In principle it was the same as it is today: Essen have a young team who play with free minds. They have nothing to lose. I think that’s what defines the club and why Essen keep managing to be successful with a young team. It’s a great club. You also see that in the number of good players who began their career there.”
So do you expect that the cup semi-final on Saturday will be a different game to the one in the league, which you won 3-1?
Dominique: “Absolutely, the cup is always something special. A game like this has a different intensity. We obviously want to continue our incredible cup run and win again, but you should never underestimate these games – even when you’re playing at home against a smaller club.”
