Wörle: First of all, we will celebrate. We have pushed ourselves to the limit over the last ten months, and sometimes even beyond that. The players have earnt the chance to thoroughly enjoy themselves. We have to savour this moment because this could be the only chance we have to celebrate in the next few years, who knows?
DFB.de: The pressure will increase as you begin next season as favourites.
Wörle: Our opponents will be desperate to knock us off our throne – that is completely understandable. But I do not see us as favourites because everything has to go right for us if we are to compete for the title again. Another victory is not a given. Success is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We have to see to is that we do our part. Is uses up unnecessary energy when you concentrate too much on others. We are humble enough to know that we have achieved something extraordinary here.
DFB.de: Are you not always the favourite when you are FC Bayern?
Wörle: Of course this name carries a certain power with it, and we bear that with pride. But other clubs have their own histories too. Take a look at what Turbine Potsdam, 1. FFC Frankfurt or Wolfsburg in particular have achieved in recent years. I have the greatest respect for them, and we are not up to the same level. I can tell you about our successes in recent years in no longer than 15 seconds.
DFB.de: Please do tell.
Wörle: We have won back-to-back German championships, plus a DFB Cup. That’s it.
DFB.de: Your competitors would say that you are being modest.
It’s over, FC Bayern München have won the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga with two games to spare and so successfully defend their title. Thomas Wörle’s side won the necessary points with a 5-0 win over Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Bayern have won 17 of their 20 league games so far this campaign, drawing twice and losing just once – a recent 1-0 defeat to 1. FFC Frankfurt. In an interview with DFB.de, 34-year-old Wörle has explained what has made his team so strong this year, what celebrations are planned and what the aims will be for his side going into next season.
DFB.de: Mr Wörle, congratulations on winning the German league. How great is the relief?
Thomas Wörle: Huge. It is a great feeling to have defended our title. Winning the championship will not be taken for granted by us, just like last year. I can only repeat, even if many people don’t like hearing it: individually speaking, we do not have the best team in Germany. But our great strength is our collectiveness. Our team spirit has led us to this success.
DFB.de: The title was already in sight by winter...
Wörle: That was exactly our problem. Our advantage over the other teams was so big that it was no longer easy to maintain the tension. That was the real challenge. And we have not managed it all the time. We lost against Frankfurt, and we had to be on our guard because Wolfsburg have been putting in impressive performances and came dangerously close to us again in recent weeks. Luckily our dip in form was only a brief one.
DFB.de: Is there one player who has stood out in your title-winning team?
Wörle: No, I would not like to name anyone in particular. Of course we have Melanie Behringer and Nora Holstad as our two captains who have led us through difficult times. They hold everything together here, but the collective spirit is what counts most with us. It’s the only way we can succeed.
DFB.de: What is the plan going forward?
Wörle: First of all, we will celebrate. We have pushed ourselves to the limit over the last ten months, and sometimes even beyond that. The players have earnt the chance to thoroughly enjoy themselves. We have to savour this moment because this could be the only chance we have to celebrate in the next few years, who knows?
DFB.de: The pressure will increase as you begin next season as favourites.
Wörle: Our opponents will be desperate to knock us off our throne – that is completely understandable. But I do not see us as favourites because everything has to go right for us if we are to compete for the title again. Another victory is not a given. Success is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We have to see to is that we do our part. Is uses up unnecessary energy when you concentrate too much on others. We are humble enough to know that we have achieved something extraordinary here.
DFB.de: Are you not always the favourite when you are FC Bayern?
Wörle: Of course this name carries a certain power with it, and we bear that with pride. But other clubs have their own histories too. Take a look at what Turbine Potsdam, 1. FFC Frankfurt or Wolfsburg in particular have achieved in recent years. I have the greatest respect for them, and we are not up to the same level. I can tell you about our successes in recent years in no longer than 15 seconds.
DFB.de: Please do tell.
Wörle: We have won back-to-back German championships, plus a DFB Cup. That’s it.
DFB.de: Your competitors would say that you are being modest.
Wörle: I cannot change that, I have simply listed the facts.
DFB.de: You were knocked out in the first round of the Champions League this season. Is your big aim for 2016/17 to do better there?
Wörle: Of course, that is one of our big objectives. This year we were simply too young and naïve even though we played well in two games against FC Twente. But some unfortunate decision also went against us. However, the biggest problem was that we did not take out chances. Twente, on the other hand, were calm in front of goal. That was the difference, and we have to learn our lessons from that.
