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Football: Wolfsburg Aims to Challenge Bayern in Supercup
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

Football: Wolfsburg Aims to Challenge Bayern in Supercup

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • VfL Wolfsburg faces Bayern Munich as clear underdogs in the upcoming Supercup match, needing an exceptional performance.
  • Both teams are dealing with significant player absences due to injuries and recent transfers.
  • Wolfsburg aims to challenge Bayern, who have dominated the league and won the Supercup in the previous two years.

VfL Wolfsburg acknowledges its underdog status heading into the German Supercup clash against perennial champions Bayern Munich. "The favorite role is clearly defined. We simply need a dream day, but we have set ourselves the goal of confronting FC Bayern and keeping the game open for as long as possible," stated VfL coach Stephan Lerch ahead of Saturday's match in Ingolstadt.

The favorite role is clearly defined. We need simply a dream day, but we have set ourselves the goal of confronting FC Bayern and keeping the game open for as long as possible.

— Stephan LerchVfL Wolfsburg's coach on his team's underdog status and ambitions for the Supercup match against Bayern Munich.

Both sides are grappling with depleted squads. Wolfsburg is missing key players, including new signing and national striker Giovanna Hoffmann. Bayern Munich also faces significant absences, with long-term injured players like Lena Oberdorf, Giulia Gwinn, and Sarah Zadrazil unavailable. Additionally, Franziska Kett and Edna Imade are sidelined. However, Wolfsburg can utilize their newly acquired player, Lara Prasnikar, a former Eintracht Frankfurt forward. Lerch noted that while Prasnikar will need time to integrate, her familiarity with the league is a significant advantage.

Bayern Munich has enjoyed remarkable success, securing the league title four consecutive times and winning the DFB-Pokal twice in recent seasons. They remained undefeated in the previous season under Spanish coach José Barcala. Munich defeated Wolfsburg 4-2 in last year's Supercup and won 1-0 the year prior. Lerch acknowledged Bayern's significant progress, stating, "FC Bayern has made enormous strides; you look at it without envy, I remember the situation differently." Wolfsburg must also contend with the departure of star striker Alexandra Popp, who moved to Borussia Dortmund.

FC Bayern has made enormous strides; you look at it without envy, I remember the situation differently.

— Stephan LerchWolfsburg's coach acknowledging Bayern Munich's dominance and development in women's football.

Despite the challenges, Wolfsburg sees the Supercup as a crucial opportunity. "This is a great opportunity to win the first title and continue to develop," said former Wolfsburg player Pernille Harder, who scored 16 goals for Munich last season. The Supercup represents a chance for Wolfsburg to test their mettle against the league's dominant force and potentially kickstart their season with silverware.

This is a great opportunity to win the first title and continue to develop.

— Pernille HarderThe player's perspective on the significance of the Supercup match for Wolfsburg.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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