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On Thursday, 11 September, the Violets will kick off the third qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League. In the first leg in France, Paris FC awaits Austria as a challenging opponent. The match will begin at 7 p.m. at Stade Jean-Bouin.
The mood was exuberant when the Veilchen landed in Paris early this afternoon. Despite the important match the next day, there was only positive excitement rather than overwhelming nervousness in the team.
After victories against Glasgow City and FC Minsk in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League, the Violets now face Paris FC in the third qualifying round. The French team finished third in the Premiere Ligue last season. The Violets have had a commanding record since the start of the season: so far, they have won all their games, both nationally and internationally, and have yet to concede a goal.
In addition to anticipation, head coach Stefan Kenesei is also feeling a certain amount of excitement: 'It's exciting and will be a big challenge. But it's also what we were hoping for. That we would have international appearances, with a large team and also many coaches who have travelled here. But the excitement is growing by the minute. Tomorrow's match will be very difficult, that much is already clear. Nevertheless, we're not just here to see the Eiffel Tower, but to put in a good performance. As usual, we will give everything we have, with our mentality and our heart, to represent our colours and our club in the best possible way. In football, there is always a chance, because every game starts at 0-0, and we will do everything we can to ensure that something is still possible in the second leg. Nevertheless, we also know that we have to have a perfect day, and at the same time, everything has to go wrong for our opponents, so that we still have a chance in the second leg. But I am convinced of us and our approach. We have already performed well, including internationally. That's why we still believe in our chances, even if they may be very slim.'
Captain Carina Wenninger: 'The atmosphere is great. We had a very good flight and are really looking forward to tomorrow's game. After the last few games, we have naturally gained confidence, because we have had a really great start in all competitions. Tomorrow, defence will be particularly important, and we will be challenged on a whole new level. But as a whole team, we also need to work extremely well, run a few extra kilometres, support our teammates and then be clever enough to perhaps pull off a tactical foul or two. That will be crucial. Paris FC is a typical French team. They have a lot of individual quality; French women are simply good at football and like to have the ball at their feet. But they also have players who are simply very physically fit. Paris FC is simply at a very high level in all areas. What the French don't like so much, however, is when you counter them with a strong collective and when you can exploit the fact that they know they are actually the big favourites in the game.'