DFB Cup
Updated on April 18, 2024, 3:55 p.m
As captain of VfL Wolfsburg, Alexandra Popp (l.) is fighting for supremacy in German women’s football against FC Bayern Munich. (Archive image) © picture alliance / SvenSimon / Frank Hoermann
Three weeks before the final of the women’s DFB Cup, Alexandra Popp makes it clear what she thinks of the term “changing of the guard” in German women’s football. In their eyes, this is being conjured up because the women of FC Bayern Munich are about to win their second championship in a row.
Alexandra Popp from VfL Wolfsburg can no longer hear the debate about an alleged changing of the guard in German women’s football. “I hate this word, honestly,” said the VfL captain on the sidelines of a discussion before the DFB Cup final against FC Bayern on May 9th (4:00 p.m./ZDF and Sky) in Cologne.
“For me, it’s only a changing of the guard when you’ve been winning titles consistently over the years,” explained Popp, who reached the DFB Cup final with the record winners for the tenth time in a row. “VfL Wolfsburg has actually been the flagship of German women’s football in recent years. To speak of a changing of the guard now, I find it absolutely disrespectful to our work.”
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FC Bayern Munich is about to defend its title in the Bundesliga
As in the previous year, the championship title in the 2023/24 season will probably go to the long-term rivals from Munich. In the Bundesliga, Bayern are seven points ahead of the seven-time champions with four match days to go and have won both direct duels.
Lena Oberdorf’s move from VfL to Munich in the summer further heated up the issue. “Incredible work” is being done in Munich, said Popp, “and we have respect for that. But it has to be delivered over several years before we talk about a word like that.”
Updated on April 5, 2024, 11:45 a.m
The German footballers start their European Championship qualification on Friday, but the captains Alexandra Popp and Sara Däbritz will miss the neighboring duel with Austria. Now national coach Horst Hrubesch has decided to substitute. Before the game he explained his decision and also praised a new addition to the team.
Giulia Gwinn agrees with Alexandra Popp
Bayern star Giulia Gwinn made similar comments. “I wouldn’t speak of a changing of the guard at the moment. We’re doing quite well to live in the here and now,” said the full-back: “We’re of course very proud that we’re first in the league and now have the opportunity to play in the cup final to reach for another title.” For the women of FC Bayern it would be the first double in the club’s history.
But as series winners, the Wolves have been unbeaten in 49 cup games. After recovering from a knee injury, DFB captain Popp is confident that she will be able to play in top shape again at the Rheinenergiestadion. Like last year, the final will be sold out with over 44,000 fans. On April 18th there were only a few tickets left. (sid/hau)
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2024-04-18 13:54:57
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