BVB women rely on home strength against Mecklenbeck | OneFootball

After a demanding week with three matches in a short period (2-0 loss against FC Bayern Munich, 9-0 victory over GSV Moers, 1-1 draw at Arminia Bielefeld), Borussia’s women's team recently enjoyed two consecutive days off. Markus Högner acknowledges: “The team needed it. A few players used the break for a short stay at home to recharge their batteries. Now we're back in training with great commitment.” The coach also reflects on the last match in Bielefeld, in which the BVB women suffered an annoying 1-1 equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time: “That should never have happened. Being a top team also requires better defensive play, especially with such a narrow lead and a pressing opponent.” What is important now is to look ahead and concentrate on the task at hand.”

Mecklenbeck defeats league leaders

And that task is DJK Wacker Mecklenbeck, currently 7th in the Regionalliga West. Coach Anna Steckel's team recently suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat to 1. FFC Recklinghausen, but it is also the only team in the league to date to beat the current league leaders, 1. FC Köln U21. Markus Högner expects a motivated and tactically well-organized opponent: “As always, it's important to concentrate on our own strengths, to keep the pace high, and also to develop a good game without the ball. Our home record is flawless; we want to perform accordingly against Mecklenbeck.” The coach attaches great importance to this self-image, which must be re-developed week after week – both in training and on the pitch. In their three previous home games so far in the Regionalliga West (against Moers, Mönchengladbach II, and Leverkusen U23), the BVB women have scored 22 goals and not conceded a single goal.

There’s good news from Jenske Steenwijk: the defender, who fell on her hand after a challenge in the cup match against FC Bayern Munich, is returning to the team. “Examinations have shown that, contrary to what we feared, it is only a bruise,” said Markus Högner. “Jenske Steenwijk is therefore definitely an option again for Sunday.”

Kick-off for the match against DJK Wacker Mecklenbeck is at 15:00 CEST at the Rote Erde Stadium. Tickets (standing: €3, seated: €5) are available in the Online-Ticketshop. The match can also be watched live and free of charge on Pluto TV.

Robert Targan