DFB.de: Just like in 2013 then?
Goeßling: Back then we were in our first Champions League final. We were certainly the underdogs. However, defending our title in 2014 proved that our achievement in the previous year wasn’t a fluke. After seeing Frankfurt win last year, we want to triumph again this time around – the trophy should remain in German hands. We’ll give absolutely everything to achieve this.
DFB.de: You won the DFB Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over SC Sand. Can you carry this momentum into the Champions League final?
Goeßling: We had to work incredibly hard to win because Sand played really well. We are therefore even happier to return to Wolfsburg with the DFB Cup once again. Now we have to go again in the Champions League final.
DFB.de: It looked as if there were some tired legs out on the pitch against Sand. Was this the case?
Goeßling: The past few weeks have been very hard and intense. We have had numerous midweek fixtures. This can obviously be exhausting but that’s normal. The idea that there are easy games in Germany is long gone. You can never rest on your laurels because you’ll be punished immediately. But we all know that we are now facing the biggest and perhaps the most important game. We’re going to give absolutely everything once again. As I already said, I’m really looking forward to the showdown with Lyon.
Lena Goeßling boasts a very impressive record – five finals, five victories with VfL Wolfsburg. She’s triumphed on three occasions in the DFB Cup and won the Champions League twice. Then throw two German league titles into the mix. It’s already a remarkable success story and a new chapter could be added on Thursday (18:00 CEST).
VfL Wolfsburg face Olympique Lyonnais in the Women’s Champions League final in Reggio Emilia. It’s Lena Goeßling and VfL’s sixth major final since 2013. Will they secure their sixth title? "We’re the underdogs," said the Germany international in an interview with DFB.de. "However, we still stand a chance. We need to have a perfect day and then anything is possible. This game is the culmination of a long and intense season."
DFB.de: Ms Goeßling, this is your sixth final with VfL Wolfsburg. You’ve won all five previous finals. How do you explain this unbelievable run?
Lena Goeßling: So far we’ve always been able to produce our best performance at the decisive moment. We’ve also had a little luck in some situations. I am thinking, for example, of the 2013 Champions League final against Lyon. We ran out 1-0 winners but weren’t necessarily the better team.
DFB.de: You once again face Lyon for the biggest title in European club football. How do you feel ahead of the clash?
Goeßling: First of all, great anticipation. Games like this are the highlight of a long and intense season. This is what you’re aiming for the whole year. Without a shadow of doubt, Lyon are one of the best teams in the world. They stormed to the French league title and cup victory. They also almost effortlessly progressed through this tournament to the final. We have respect for our opponents, but we are not afraid.
DFB.de: Do you think that you are the underdogs for perhaps the first time this season?
Goeßling: Judging upon recent performances and results, I believe that Lyon are the favourites. They have actually not shown any weakness. Of course, that serves as a warning to us. Every mistake at this level is mercilessly punished. If we want to return to Wolfsburg as champions, we need to deliver a perfect performance. However, we are capable of doing just that. I am convinced that we can beat Lyon.
DFB.de: Just like in 2013 then?
Goeßling: Back then we were in our first Champions League final. We were certainly the underdogs. However, defending our title in 2014 proved that our achievement in the previous year wasn’t a fluke. After seeing Frankfurt win last year, we want to triumph again this time around – the trophy should remain in German hands. We’ll give absolutely everything to achieve this.
DFB.de: You won the DFB Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over SC Sand. Can you carry this momentum into the Champions League final?
Goeßling: We had to work incredibly hard to win because Sand played really well. We are therefore even happier to return to Wolfsburg with the DFB Cup once again. Now we have to go again in the Champions League final.
DFB.de: It looked as if there were some tired legs out on the pitch against Sand. Was this the case?
Goeßling: The past few weeks have been very hard and intense. We have had numerous midweek fixtures. This can obviously be exhausting but that’s normal. The idea that there are easy games in Germany is long gone. You can never rest on your laurels because you’ll be punished immediately. But we all know that we are now facing the biggest and perhaps the most important game. We’re going to give absolutely everything once again. As I already said, I’m really looking forward to the showdown with Lyon.
