PSG's defender Krahn: "Wolfsburg are clear favourites."
Krahn: "My time in France may be up."
Krahn battles it out with Brazillian star Marta
The anticipation ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg between VfL Wolfsburg and Paris St. German today (18:00 CEST) is immense. For some of Paris' players like Annike Krahn, Lira Alushi, Josephine Henning and Ann-Kathrin Berger it is a very special game.
29-year-old defender Annike Krahn spoke with DFB.de about the prospects of this encounter for the defending Champions from Germany. The 116-cap Germany international also talked about her experiences from her past three years in France and looks ahead to the World Cup in Canada, which is set to kick off in a few weeks' time.
DFB.de: Miss Krahn, let us talk about the semi final encounter with VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League. Will it be a special game for you?
Krahn: In some ways, yes. However, I usually don't make a big deal out of these kind of things. But it certainly is special to play against a team from your home country when you yourself are playing abroad.
DFB.de: Are you looking forward to the match?
Krahn:For us it will be a chance to measure ourselves with one of the best teams in the world. Of course I look forward to it. Reaching the semi final is already a historic achievement for Paris St. Germain. Our club has never gone this far before. But now, we obviously also want to take the next step and reach the final. In order for that to happen we need to get a good result in Wolfsburg.
DFB.de: You impressed by eliminating Olympique Lyon from the competition – Champions League winners of 2012...
Krahn:That wasn't entirely expected, that's true. That's why it made headlines in France. We proved against Lyon that we have a lot of quality in our squad. And we want to prove that again against Wolfsburg.
DFB.de: You are currently in second place in the French league with two games left to play. Olympique Lyon are still unbeaten. What you is your verdict on the season so far?
Krahn: We did have hopes to win the title. We have also managed to win all our games, except the two decisive matches with Lyon. Sometimes you just have to be honest and admit that they deserved to become champions. At least we managed to qualify for the Champions League.
DFB.de: Your contract with PSG is set to expire this summer...
Krahn: That's correct. We'll see what happens after that. I still haven't entirely made up my mind yet.
DFB.de: What has your experience in France been like so far?
Krahn: I've enjoyed the most part of the three years I've spent here so far. It was important to leave Germany for a while and broaden my horizon. I needed that. Not only did I take another step in my sporting career, I also developed further as a person. I see a lot of things from a different perspective these days.
DFB.de: Let us look ahead to the World Cup in Canada which is approaching quickly. What are your expectations for this tournament?
Krahn: Roughly a week ago we managed to secure a highly deserved 4-0 victory in a test game with Brazil...
DFB.de: ... despite several injuries...
Krahn: ... yes, exactly and that's what gives us confidence. Obviously it wasn't all perfect. We know that there is still a long and tough road for us ahead. But we also know that we've taken the right steps and we have to continue with this path.