Following the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Lynn Wilms faced questions from European journalists. In a UEFA press conference, the defender spoke about the upcoming clash and the opponents from Barcelona.
Lynn Wilms, what was your reaction and that of the team to being drawn against Barcelona?
Lynn Wilms: “Our reaction was, ‘okay, let’s go!’ Barcelona are a good side but the other teams are also good. We could’ve got Chelsea or Arsenal, who would both have been equally difficult draws. They’re all top teams but we also want to pit ourselves against the top teams, so let’s go!”
You also played against Barcelona in the Champions League final two years ago. After leading 2-0 at half-time, Barcelona came back to win 3-2. How much is that still on your mind?
Lynn: “That’s in the past, now we’re playing a new match. If I think of matches that I’d like to play again, that would certainly be one of them but for us as a team it’s a new challenge. It’s a new day, a new match.”
After losing that final in 2023, you were knocked out in qualifying for the group stage last season. Does that make you and the team even hungrier this year?
Lynn: “Yes, 100 percent. I think we are slight underdogs against Barcelona, but we have the determination to beat anyone. You also saw that against Roma, for example. Barcelona are a great team but we want to beat everyone. If we have that determination and give our all, anything can happen.”
Are you expecting more of a physical or a tactical game against Barcelona?
Lynn: “Olympique Lyon in the group stage were one of the most physical opponents I’ve ever played against. I expect Barcelona, on the other hand, to be tactically and technically very strong. I think we’ll have to use our physicality anyway.”
You know Ewa Pajor very well. Have you been watching her in Spain? She’s scoring loads of goals.
Lynn: “I like Ewa a lot. She’s a machine, she works hard and deserves every goal she scores. It’s obviously going to be a challenge playing against her now, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Alexandra Popp is back in goalscoring form for you. How important is she for you, and what does she bring to the team?
Lynn: “Poppi is a role model to me, particularly in terms of the mental side. Even when I was younger, I admired her for that. She’s one of the strongest people I know on and off the pitch. Of course, Poppi is also very important for the team, not just because she scores lots of goals. She’s also very close to my heart personally as a friend.”
Before the draw, it was already confirmed that the quarter-final will be held at the Volkswagen Arena. Is that a major factor for you?
Lynn: “Yes, absolutely. It’s nice to see that there are so many people wanting to come to Wolfsburg for the match that they wouldn’t all fit in the AOK Stadion. I’m looking forward to playing on the big stage, fitting for a big match.”
