Kathrin Hendrich: "I can't show any consideration towards my former club"
FFC defender Kathrin Hendrich: "We wouldn't be opposed to finishing top"
Kathrin Hendirch: "It's always getting closer at the top of the Bundesliga"
Kathrin Hendrich has been capped by Germany eight times
The current situation in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga is quite clear. Three teams are still in the running for the title so it promises to be a dramatic end to the season. Champions League participants VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FFC Frankfurt will both play rearranged fixtures on Sunday (14:00 CEST). Frankfurt will face Bayer Leverkusen and are hoping to keep up their good run of results and not lose touch with the top two.
The game is particularly significant for Frankfurt defender Kathrin Hendrich, who will finally come up against her former club. DFB.de spoke to the 23-year-old about the situation at the top of the table and the upcoming challenges. She also reflected upon the recent disappointing cup exit to Turbine Potsdam.
DFB.de: Ms Hendrich, we’re entering the decisive phase of the season in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga. Do you think that any mistake from now on could spell the end of your title dreams?
Kathrin Hendrich: It’s well-known how the table stands. We’re feeling positive about our current position. Following the home defeat to Bayern München in December, we’ve recorded six consecutive victories. Regardless of whether it’s the first or last matchday, I always want to win when I take to the pitch.
DFB.de: How do you assess the situation?
Hendrich: Anything is possible! It’s very close between the top teams, meaning that the fans can look forward to an exciting end to the season. From a neutral point of view, it could hardly be better…
DFB.de: What do you make of FFC’s current position?
Hendrich: Our aim for this season is to qualify for the Champions League once again. It’s completely down to us to achieve that. On the other hand, winning the title is out of our control so we’re not thinking about it; however, we wouldn’t complain if we finished on top after the final matchday.
DFB.de: Is this the most dramatic title race for a long time?
Hendrich: It’s become a lot tighter at the top over the last few years. There are four teams close together in the league at the moment and it’ll be little things from over the entire season that will decide who finishes first and who ends up in fourth. It came to a dramatic conclusion last year with the match between Wolfsburg and Frankfurt. Perhaps we’ll get revenge this year but that’s still a long way off. First of all, we need to be thinking about the game against Leverkusen because that’ll be tricky enough.
DFB.de: What are your expectations for the match against your former club?
Hendrich: Like I already said, it’s not going to be easy. I don’t have split loyalties; we absolutely want to come away with all three points.
DFB.de: Are you surprised by how Leverkusen are embroiled in a relegation battle? Do you think that Bayer 04 are currently in a worse position than they should be given the quality in their squad?
Hendrich: Definitely. Bayer were the better team in lots of matches but this wasn’t reflected in the results. I think that’s a shame. They actually deserve to be in a much higher position in the table.
DFB.de: Are you worried that Bayer 04 could actually be relegated?
Hendrich: I firmly believe that Bayer will survive and maintain their Bundesliga status. They’ve got the potential and have always picked up the necessary points in the past few years. I’ve got confidence in the team to pull it off again.
DFB.de: You’re then back in action again on Wednesday against Freiburg. Do you have enough time in between to catch your breath, recharge the batteries and get ready to go again?
Hendrich: We’re used to midweek fixtures. You obviously shouldn’t underestimate how much travelling about for games takes it out of you but we’re all fit and look forward to every game.
DFB.de: After the Freiburg match, your next fixture is the home leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bröndby IF. What do you know about your Danish opponents?
Hendrich: Nothing at the moment. We’re currently thinking about our next two Bundesliga opponents. We’ll switch our focus to the Champions League semi-final after the Freiburg game and that will be when we’re given all the necessary information about their team. Teams don’t qualify for a semi-final by chance so we’re definitely not going to underestimate the team.
DFB.de: Was your DFB Cup exit to Turbine Potsdam a result of tiredness from all the pressure you’ve been under and the matches you’ve played?
Hendrich: No, that would be an excuse. We unfortunately didn’t perform to our potential and Potsdam were simply better. You have to recognise that.
DFB.de: How much does that defeat still hurt?
Hendrich: It was a massive disappointment. We wanted to make it through to the final in Cologne but we’ve moved on now. You don’t get anywhere moping around and dwelling on the missed opportunity. What’s more important is focusing on the upcoming games.
DFB.de: It’s still possible to achieve the double this season though. Would that be a dream come true?
Hendrich: For me, winning any title would be a dream come true. What do you achieve though just sitting around dreaming? We want to win every game and will then take stock at the end of the season. First of all, it’s about picking up all three points in Leverkusen then we’ll go from there.