Full Power into the Season: Miren Ćatović on Pre-Season, New Team Spirit and the First Challenges

Six weeks of preparation are over! On Sunday, our team finally kicks off the new 2025/2026 season. The first official match is in the DFB-Pokal playoffs against league rivals VfL Bochum. Just one week later, the ball will finally be rolling in the 2. Bundesliga as well – against SG 99 Andernach.

In the interview, our head coach Miren Ćatović talks about the intense preparation phase, the growing team spirit, and the anticipation ahead of an exciting season start.

Credit: Kai Heuser

Miren, pre-season is almost over. What’s your conclusion?

Pre-season was intense and very special. We started these weeks with a newly assembled squad. Nine players left us, and eleven new ones joined. That’s a big change for a team – not only in sporting terms, but also on a personal level. All the more impressive to see how quickly the group came together.

What else has changed compared to last season?

A lot! We now train exclusively from morning to afternoon – no more evening sessions. This allows the players to focus even more on football and spend significantly more time together at the stadium, especially around sessions on the pitch and in the gym. That has a noticeable effect on team dynamics and individual development.

Our staff team is top-class in every area. From athletic training to medical support, we work closely and in sync. We invest a lot in individual training and match analysis so that every single player can continue to grow. Because our goal is not only to improve as a team, but also to support and push every player on her personal journey.

Credit: Kai Heuser

What was the sporting focus during pre-season?

From a fitness perspective, we wanted to build the foundation we’ll need for the new level in the 2. Bundesliga. Beyond that, it was a lot about automatisms and our playing structure. Especially with so many new signings, it’s important that routines take hold quickly and communication on the pitch works.

There is incredible potential in this team. Our task was – and still is – to form a collective that works as one unit, and where every player finds her place and role.

Was there a highlight during pre-season?

The friendly matches gave us valuable insights. Five wins from five games, including against teams from the 1. Bundesliga, of course boost our confidence. But a real highlight was definitely our training camp in Kienbaum. The conditions there were excellent, and the workload was intense. We focused a lot on tactics and match formats, but most importantly, something always happens within the team during days like these.

This week brought us even closer together as a group. You can also see it on the pitch: everyone’s really up for it, bringing passion, energy and ambition – and playing for each other.

Credit: Kai Heuser

Before the 2. Bundesliga season officially kicks off with our home match against SG 99 Andernach on 24 August (2pm), there’s already a real all-or-nothing game coming up this Sunday: the DFB-Pokal playoffs – straight away against our league rivals VfL Bochum. How do you view this first challenge?

It’s an important game right at the start of the season. With VfL Bochum, we’re facing tough opponents. They finished last season in mid-table, in 7th place in the 2. Bundesliga, strengthened their squad again over the summer, and have to be taken seriously. It’s a direct clash at eye level with a league rival.

The DFB-Pokal stage motivates all of us and we’ll give everything to reach the main round.

You know the 2. Bundesliga from your time in Ingolstadt. What can the fans expect this season?

The 2. Bundesliga is extremely balanced! Every team can beat any other. Matches are faster, more physical and often exciting right up to the final whistle. There are also many interesting opponents, all performing at a similar level. The battle for promotion and relegation usually stays open until the very end of the season.

We’re heading into this new season with a clear ambition. We want to establish ourselves in the league, play an important role and show every single week that we belong here!

Credit: Kai Heuser

Be there for the season opener! Tickets for the upcoming DFB-Pokal match against Bochum this Sunday (12 pm), as well as for all other home games in the 2. Bundesliga, are now available online at tickets.fcviktoria.com – season tickets are also available.