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Sporting Review and Outlook – An Interview with Catharina Schimpf

The first half of the season was an exciting phase. In the Regionalliga, the team secured 9 wins out of 10 matches, with a goal difference of 41:6. This currently places them second in the standings, with a game in hand. In the DFB-Pokal, we were eliminated by Bundesliga side Turbine Potsdam. In two weeks, we will face Türkiyemspor Berlin in the Berlin Cup quarter-finals.


Our sporting director, Catharina Schimpf, shares her insights on the team’s current position ahead of the second half of the 2024/2025 season.


Looking Back at the First Half of the Season


How do you assess the sporting development of the first half of the season?

With only one defeat in the first half of the Regionalliga season, we can be generally satisfied in terms of points. However, our ambition is to win every match, and of course, we would have liked to have those three extra points in our account.


In terms of play and dominance, our team has incredible potential, but we haven't yet consistently delivered at the highest level. That’s exactly what we are working on intensively, so we can step onto the pitch with more confidence in the second half of the season and reach our full performance potential.


How has the team evolved since the start of the season, both on and off the pitch?

After a significant squad reshuffle in the summer, our team bonded incredibly quickly and built a strong connection off the pitch. That’s not something to be taken for granted, but it’s a crucial foundation for success. I am equally impressed by the unwavering commitment of all our players. They work tirelessly every day with great dedication and precision towards our common goals, which makes us very proud.


On the pitch, the players have refined their teamwork week by week, even though they haven’t yet reached their full potential. That’s what makes us so excited for the second half—both in terms of individual development and the major strides we will take as a team.

 

Which moments stood out for you the most?

Definitely our 1-0 victory in the top match against RB Leipzig II! It was an incredibly important win that showcased the quality and fighting spirit within our team. On the other hand, the defeat against Hertha BSC’s young squad also remains memorable. These two matches provided us with the biggest lessons, offering valuable opportunities to take our development to the next level.

Credit: Kai Heuser @heuserkampf


Start of Training in the New Year


How did the team perform after the winter break? Did all players return fit?

We are extremely pleased with how the team has returned from the winter break! Right from the first training session, it was clear how much energy the players bring to the pitch. They used the break to recover and take their minds off football for a while, but at the same time, they worked diligently on their fitness. You can see it clearly—they have come back in great shape. This gives us a strong foundation to build on in the coming days and weeks to ensure we start the second half of the season in the best possible way.


What have been the main training focuses so far, and how is the team’s mood?

The team’s mood is excellent! You can really feel that everyone has started the preparations with great motivation and energy. Thanks to the players' strong fitness levels—a huge shoutout to our athletic coach Laura Stosno-Krohn, who ensured an optimal individual preparation—we were able to dive straight into the tactical and technical focuses set by our new head coach, Miren Ćatović. The first sessions have been very intense, and the team has already embraced and implemented the key elements of the new playing philosophy.


How important are a training camp and friendly matches at this stage?

The upcoming training camp is essential for us to further build on our foundation and strengthen our team even more. Especially in our current situation, following the coaching change in winter, this time together is incredibly valuable. Miren can use these days perfectly—both on the pitch in intensive sessions and off the pitch in tactical and team-building meetings. Our goal is to fully develop and internalize the way we want to play in the second half of the season. A training camp provides the perfect setting for this, as it allows us to focus entirely on football. It will help us take important steps forward together and grow even closer as a team.


Friendly matches also play a crucial role during this phase. They give us the opportunity to test our tactical approach in real competitive situations. With the match against VfL Wolfsburg II and another friendly during the training camp, we have the chance to prepare specifically for our early competitive matches—the Berlin Cup quarter-final against Türkiyemspor on 12 February and the rescheduled league match against Dresden on 23 February. These games will provide us with valuable insights to ensure we are in top form for the official second-half kickoff on 9 March.

Credit. Josua Piorr


Looking Ahead to the Second Half of the Season


What are the priorities for the second half of the season?

As high-performance athletes, you want to win every game—that's our clear ambition. Any team competing for promotion sets exactly this goal. We are working hard to dominate our matches and secure victories with confidence.


What makes you particularly optimistic that the team will achieve its goals in the second half of the season?

The team’s cohesion and commitment are outstanding. This mentality, combined with the high quality of our squad and the next development steps we will take under our newly structured coaching team, makes me absolutely optimistic for the second half of the season.


Additionally, we are excited about our two new signings, Katharina and Gina. Both already bring a wealth of experience for their age, which will be a great asset to the team.


How do you assess the competition—who are the strongest opponents in the race for promotion?

I believe the promotion battle is already well defined. Alongside Hertha BSC and RB Leipzig II, we form a leading trio at the top. All three teams are already operating under highly professional conditions and share strong ambitions.

The key will be to consistently deliver our best performances—not only in the direct duels but throughout the entire second half of the season. Every game counts, and that’s exactly the mentality we are taking into the coming months.

Credit: Josua Piorr

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