After three intensive weeks of training and four wins from four friendlies, the She-Wolves are primed and ready for their first competitive match of 2024 when they travel to SGS Essen on Monday 29 January (kick-off 19:30 CET).
The Green-and-Whites are hoping to consolidate their place at the league summit with another victory to round out the first half of the season. It will be far from easy though, as Essen have also enjoyed a successful campaign so far to sit fifth in the standings. Ahead of the fixture, head coach Tommy Stroot addressed the media about…
…personnel: “Kathrin Hendrich, Kristin Demann and Camilla Küver are all out injured. Anneke Borbe and Diana Nemeth are both struggling with colds, so we’re working on the assumption that they won’t be available. Joelle Wedemeyer has a slight hip complaint and is receiving treatment for it, but we’re still including her in our plans for the game as we still have a bit of time to get her fit.”
…the opposition: “Essen are probably the surprise package of the season so far. Looking at the way they play, it won’t be an easy game for us. The way they play in transition is very impressive, they get forward with pace and purpose. Every season they show that they deserve their place in the Women’s Bundesliga.”
…the rest of the season: “The winter break did us good. We’re looking a lot fresher than we were before. We’ve had a lengthy period of preparation, compared to the amount of time we had after the World Cup, so I think the top four teams in the league will kick on now.”