Women

“We’re very well prepared”

Vivien Endemann on Friday’s top-of-the-table encounter at FC Bayern Munich.

Vivien Endemann scored VfL Wolfsburg Women’s fifth-minute opener when the She-Wolves beat Bundesliga title rivals FC Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Volkswagen Arena back in October. The striker previews VfL’s latest meeting with the current league leaders in Munich on Friday.

Vivien Endemann, your week of training ahead of the Bayern game is done and dusted. How did you approach it? Do you do anything differently ahead of such an important fixture?

Vivien Endemann: “As in every training week, we focused on certain aspects which we’ll take into the game. At the moment, the overriding emotion for all of us is excitement. Our next few games and the next few weeks are going to be really exciting and we’re really looking forward to them.”

You probably have fond memories of your first meeting with Bayern this season…

Vivien: “I think everything fell into place that day. We played in a new system for the first time, which probably came as a bit of a surprise to Bayern. The early goal played into our hands, but the most important thing was how we performed as a team on the pitch and how everyone was there for one another. That made the difference in the end and will be important again [tomorrow].”

Your performances in games like this have set you apart this season, haven’t they?

Vivien: “First and foremost, it’s a shame that our displays so far this season have fluctuated and we haven’t been able to perform how we wanted in every game. That said, we’ve shown time and time again what we’re capable of. In the game against Frankfurt in particular, we showed that we deserve to be right up there and we’re definitely a force to be reckoned with. I think it’s going to be an incredibly exciting game on Friday.”

What do you make of Bayern at the moment?

Vivien: “They’re an outstanding team. Bayern have been very consistent so far and possess great individual quality. That said, there’s no need whatsoever for us to hide. I think it’s going to be an even game.”

To summarise, what will be key for you on Friday?

Vivien: “We need to play as a team. That’s the most important thing. Aside from all the tactics and the formation, which are obviously important, it’s crucial that we perform as a unit. If one player ends up making a mistake, it’s important that another player is there [to make amends]. We need to be organised at the back and defend well, but obviously score goals at the other end too.”