Kieran Theivam (of @WoSoZone) previews the UWCL from the German perspective…
Wolfsburg coach Ralf Kellermann believes Lyon may have underestimated his team when they defeated the French side in 2013’s Women’s Champions League Final, but doesn’t expect the same approach again.
The Germans were triumphant at Stamford Bridge thanks to Martina Muller’s penalty, giving them their first ever Champions League title, which was followed by a second just a year later.
Kellermann has developed his side into one of the most formidable in Europe, and over that time, his team has become one of the most respected in the world.
However, the day before his side tackles the French champions once again in Reggio Emilia, Italy, he believed that maybe their opponents were not expecting the type of challenge they came up against last time they faced each other.
“In 2013 we came to the final as a newcomer,” he said.
“The difference then was Lyon maybe underestimated us, but now we have established ourselves as a big team in Europe.”
Wolfsburg caused a major upset v Lyon at Stamford Bridge in 2013 to lift their first UWCL trophy (Action Images)
“We have won it (the Champions League) twice, reached a semi-final and final this year. Maybe Lyon is slight favourite because they are a solid team, using more or less always the same players. They are a world class team with big quality.”
For Swiss international Lara Dickenmann, the final presents an opportunity to come up against a club where she achieved absolutely everything as a player.
With a large part of the squad still made up of personnel Dickenmann lined up with during her time in France, the opportunity to play them in a final, in her words, is ‘special.’
She said: “I am very glad to be in the final with my new club, for me this game is special tomorrow.
“I know next to all the players very well, I had a fantastic time in Lyon.
“We are looking forward to this final, they have a very strong team, but we are also very good. Lets see what happens.”
For forward Alex Popp, a three time winner of the European competition – two Champions League titles and one UEFA Women’s Cup – this marks yet another final for the German international, who has achieved almost everything in the game (minus a World Cup).
One question posed to her in the team’s press conference ahead of Thursday’s final (5pm UK kick off) was whether the novelty of finals wears off – she certainly doesn’t think so!
“Its anything but normal, it’s always very special to have these final games, they have a special atmosphere,” she said.
“Internationally speaking, it is nice to be at different places to meet different teams. It would be a nice cherry on the cake if we can now get this cup.”
Attendance numbers for this evening are sketchy, but figures being suggested would mean the stadium should have a five figure crowd, which would be impressive considering that women’s football in Italy is still developing.
NEXT: A Look ahead with Lyon…
Stadio Città del Tricolore – Reggio Emilia 26/05/2016 – 18:00CET (18:00 local time)
