BVB Managing Director Notes Fan Surge Linked to Alexandra Popp’s Arrival

Alexandra Popp is adjusting to the physical and atmospheric demands of the German third division after joining Borussia Dortmund (BVB) this summer.

Popp faces physical intensity at DJK Südwest Köln

During a recent match against DJK Südwest Köln, Borussia Dortmund secured a 5-0 victory, though the result masked a difficult start. Dortmund led only 1-0 at halftime, prompting coach Markus Högner to deliver a loud reprimand to his squad in the locker room. Högner noted that matches in the Regionalliga often resemble cup games because opponents “throw everything in.”

Popp admitted that the team struggled more in that first half than they had in any previous game this season. Beyond the tactical struggle, Popp described a different kind of pressure from the crowd. Approximately 900 spectators attended the game at the opponent’s single artificial turf pitch, with fans standing directly on the field. Popp spent 20 minutes after the match signing autographs and taking selfies, noting that the environment is “significantly smaller” than the top flight.

BVB women’s team pursues Bundesliga promotion

The addition of Popp is part of a broader strategy to push Borussia Dortmund into the Bundesliga. The club, which only entered women’s football in 2021, currently sits first in the league with seven wins from seven matches and a goal difference of 31-0. Despite this current form, the project previously stalled in the Regionalliga after four consecutive promotions, while 1. FC Köln’s second team managed to jump to the second division.

Svenja Schlenker, the managing director for women’s football at BVB, stated that the team lacked “pressure resilience” in key matches last season. To address this, the club has recruited experienced first-division players, including Popp, Lara Schmidt (formerly of Werder Bremen), and Annika Enderle (formerly of Leverkusen and Essen). The club also hired Ralf Kellermann, a longtime Wolfsburg coach and former sporting director, to lead management.

Attendance boom and logistical shifts in the third tier

The presence of high-profile players has triggered a commercial and attendance surge. BVB has sold 1,700 season tickets for the current third-division season, the third-highest number in German women’s football. Schlenker noted that while the exact percentage of this boom attributable to Popp is unknown, the media and fan attention has increased “extremely” because Popp is the most successful and well-known German player.

This popularity creates a contrast at away venues. Schlenker mentioned that BVB’s professional requirements—such as traveling by bus and requesting specific parking and site logistics—are unfamiliar to some smaller hosts. However, the influx of fans, who bring drums and banners, often makes these matches the “highlight of the year” for opposing clubs and boosts local sales of food and drinks.

Tactical adjustments for the Regionalliga style

Popp has acknowledged a learning curve regarding the style of play in the third tier. While she can identify and exploit spaces that teammates may not yet see, she found that some of her established Bundesliga feints do not work against Regionalliga defenders. Popp stated that opponents in this league do not always “fall for” the tricks that work in the top flight, leading to direct physical collisions. She noted that she must learn to behave differently on the pitch to be effective.

Lara Schmidt, who scored two headed goals in the match against DJK Südwest Köln, described the increased attendance as a positive for the league, stating that Regionalliga games are normally not well-attended and that opposing players enjoy the experience of playing in such a high-profile atmosphere.

BVB women’s current season status

Common questions about Popp’s move to BVB

Why did Alexandra Popp move to the third division?
Popp joined Borussia Dortmund, her childhood club, after 14 years at VfL Wolfsburg to help the team achieve promotion to the Bundesliga.

How does the Regionalliga differ from the Bundesliga for players?
According to Popp, the attention is more “intense” and intimate, with fans standing on the pitch, and the tactical approach of opponents is more direct, making certain top-flight dribbling techniques less effective.

What is BVB’s long-term goal for the women’s team?
The club aims to reach the Bundesliga, having recently reinforced the squad with veteran first-division experience to improve their performance in high-pressure matches.

“Ich muss lernen, mich hier anders zu verhalten,” Popp said regarding her adaptation to the third division.