The new Allianz Women Bundesliga begins on the 28th of August (18:00 CEST). The opening game sees German champions FC Bayern München face 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam at the Grünwalderstraße. In this series, DFB.de looks ahead to the highly anticipated season. This will feature a rundown of all twelve teams, starting today with Bayer Leverkusen and the returning world champion, Annike Krahn.
She is back again. In fact, she never really left. She has simply gathered more experience. A slightly modified version of Marius Müller-Westernhagen’s text "back again" is very fitting for Annike Krahn. After three years at Paris St. Germain, the Germany International who boasts 123 caps is back in the Allianz Women Bundesliga, back home. She is once again living in her favourite Ruhr region, having signed a contract at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. She will have the opportunity to make her debut in the first game of the season away at SC Sand on Sunday 30th August.
Coach Obliers and Krahn: "We stayed in contact"
The agreement between player and club was only surprising at first glance. Upon closer inspection, there are many good reasons. Krahn can once again live in her home country, she has the opportunity to achieve things at Leverkusen, and she knows coach Thomas Obliers well from their days at Duisberg.
"We stayed in contact," said Krahn. "I am looking forward to this chapter at Leverkusen and hope to use my experience to aid in the development of this young squad. After three exciting years in Paris, I wanted to return to Germany. It’s no secret that I feel a close attachment to my home country. This desire and the ideal conditions in Leverkusen made my decision to sign very easy."
Obliers: "Annike is exactly what we need"
It’s hoped that Krahn will solidify the previously shaky Leverkusen defensive line. "Annike Krahn fits perfectly both as a person and a player," said Obliers. "She is an unbelievably experienced player, who has become one of the best in the world in her position. We hope that with her defensive quality and personality, she will help our numerous young and talented players take the next step in their development."
There are many reasons why this is a good decision. Krahn has won most titles, she is a world champion, European champion, has won the DFB Cup, bronze at the Olympic games, five-time German league runner up, and has celebrated many successes in France in the last three years. Annike Krahn is without doubt one of the most famous, successful and popular German footballers – and as a defender. Moreover, there is never any questioning of her attitude.
"I want to lead the way with my experience"
Bayer 04 can celebrate a real coup with her acquisition. "I want to lead the way with my experience,’" said Krahn. "There are many young players here at Leverkusen, and hopefully I’ll be able to offer them advice in their development. On the other hand, I can also learn a lot from this younger generation. It is logical however, that I will take up a leadership role at the club. I’m looking forward to it."
Leverkusen lacked exactly this kind of player many times last year. After a good first half of the season, Obliers’ team descended into crisis, and were only able to celebrate their safety in the first division on the penultimate match week. This can’t happen again, and Annike Krahn will make sure it doesn’t: "I see us finishing in the mid-table region of the Allianz Bundesliga. That has to be our goal."