Bayer Leverkusen is making headlines in the Women’s Bundesliga this season, currently sitting fourth and just two points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Under coach Roberto Pätzold, the team has excelled despite significant player departures. Key new signings, including top scorer Cornelia Kramer, and a focus on youth development have contributed to their success. As they prepare for a challenging match against Wolfsburg, Pätzold remains optimistic about maintaining their momentum and competing with the league’s best teams.
Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich have long dominated the Women’s Bundesliga, but Bayer Leverkusen’s rise to prominence is capturing attention this season.
While 1. FC Köln struggles at the bottom of the standings, their rivals across the Rhine are making waves as the unexpected contenders in the league. Currently positioned fourth, Bayer Leverkusen trails the leaders from Munich by just two points, with their only loss this season coming in a narrow 2:3 defeat to Bayern, where they conceded a last-minute goal.
Remarkable Performance Amidst Change
Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive standing after eight matchdays has exceeded even coach Roberto Pätzold’s expectations. He took the helm this summer during a time of significant restructuring, as the club bid farewell to key players like national team member Elisa Senß, defender Caroline Siems, and forward Verena Wieder. ‘We intentionally avoided setting specific table goals, as it was challenging to predict. Our aim was to narrow the gap to the so-called big four in the Bundesliga’, Pätzold explained, referring to the likes of Wolfsburg, Bayern, Hoffenheim, and Frankfurt.
Currently, it appears that this goal is within reach. Much of Leverkusen’s success can be attributed to new signings who have quickly become essential to the team. Notably, Danish international Cornelia Kramer has emerged as the top scorer with four goals. Caroline Kehrer, who joined from SC Braga, consistently finds the back of the net, while Kristin Kögel, a club member since 2020, has also proven to be a reliable contributor. According to Kögel, the team’s intensity on the pitch plays a significant role in their ascent. ‘We strive to force our opponents into early mistakes and create offensive opportunities. Plus, we have great chemistry off the field.’
Investing in Young Talent
Leverkusen is not only focusing on established players but also placing a strong emphasis on youth development. This season, 17-year-old Merino Gonzalez has seen regular playing time, alongside fellow young talents Ida Daedelow and Delice Bobby, who have made their league debuts at ages 17 and 18, respectively.
Integrating homegrown talents into the Bundesliga is a personal mission for Pätzold, though he acknowledges the inherent risks. ‘We have brought in numerous players who were previously inexperienced in the Bundesliga. At the start of the season, it was hard to predict how this would unfold, but I believe we have navigated it well.’
Pätzold has always prioritized the development of young players in his coaching career. ‘If a young player’s performance is up to par, I don’t hesitate to give them playing time, even in critical situations.’ Many of Leverkusen’s matches have been closely contested, making it all the more rewarding for Pätzold that players like Merino Gonzalez have made impactful contributions in crucial moments.
A New Era for Pätzold in Women’s Football
This season not only marks the debut for several Leverkusen players in the Bundesliga but also signifies a new chapter for Roberto Pätzold as he embarks on his first role in women’s football at this level. Although he has experience coaching female athletes, including leading the women’s U19 team at the Baden Football Association, this is his first time in a senior position within the Bundesliga.
For Pätzold, whether coaching men or women is inconsequential. ‘I have never excluded either option for myself because football is universal. The sport doesn’t change, and my approach on the training ground remains the same.’ Leverkusen’s professional infrastructure in women’s football was a significant draw for him. ‘Additionally, I am eager to contribute to the development of the team and work with young players who possess substantial potential.’
Looking Ahead to the Clash with Wolfsburg
Leverkusen has already posed challenges to some of the top teams, but a major test looms on the horizon against VfL Wolfsburg on the eleventh matchday. Kristin Kögel is optimistic about the matchup: ‘We have demonstrated that we can compete with the top teams from previous seasons, and we definitely aim to secure points against Wolfsburg while executing our game plan.’
This weekend, however, Leverkusen first faces Turbine Potsdam, a team still seeking its first win of the season. Given Potsdam’s struggles, Leverkusen enters the match as the favorite and must capitalize on this opportunity to maintain their current standing in the league. Pätzold understands that tougher times may arise, but he remains hopeful. ‘So far, we have steadily improved. If we can keep this momentum, there’s no reason we can’t surprise everyone.’