Surprise in the DFB Cup: Ofc women aim at victory against Mainz

Surprise in the DFB Cup: Ofc women aim at victory against Mainz

The anticipation among the women's football players of the Offenbacher Kickers is great, because next Saturday you can expect a challenging second round game in the DFB Cup against FSV Mainz 05. This duel will not only be a sporting discussion, but also a test for the team's ambitions and skills under coach Johannes.

The Offenbachers who play in the regional league South are already under tremendous pressure after they caused a surprise in the first round and sent the second division FC Ingolstadt 3-2 from the competition. The Kickers present themselves as a serious opponent and prepare to challenge Mainz.

trainer Munkel looks optimistic ahead

Johannes Munkel, in office for six years, goes into the game with a positive attitude. "The anticipation for me and the team is huge," said the 49-year-old. His experience brings a special note to the team, and the Bruchweg Stadium of Mainz will offer an exciting backdrop for the players. Rumbles emphasizes that Mainz is "not a normal regional league", especially since they have resources that are typically found in a second division.

The Kickers are aware of their role as a clear underdog, and yet Munkel is faith that the team also has the chance to make the match successful in this round. "We have the cup magic with us, which can lead to surprises," emphasizes the trainer.

Differences between the leagues and the youth training

Another aspect that Munkel addresses are the differences in the training between the teams. While young players of the OFC were often trained in larger clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt or Hoffenheim, the training structure in Offenbach is based. Mainz has taken over the women's football department, but is only at the beginning of the development. "The training does not matter for the duel on Saturday," explains Munkel, and points out that many players are only the beginning of their career.

in Offenbach there are now youth national players who have left the club to play in higher leagues. Despite the challenges, the OFC aims to promote its own youth and to train good talents. The services of the young coaches are praised by Munkel and there are positive developments in youth work that the team want to advance.

However, the aspiration on a higher placement in the regional league is challenging. Munkel notes that the team has to work hard to survive at the current level, especially against more professional teams. The OFC must continuously improve its structures and adapt to the rapidly increasing professionalism in women's football.

The upcoming cup game against Mainz will not only be a sporting exam for the Offenbachers, but also a further step on their way to establishing women's football. Running shows through that surprises in the cup are quite possible - and that is exactly what he hopes and wishes for the team on Saturday. "Of course that would be a great thing for us," he summarizes.

The interview and the upcoming events in the DFB Cup are traced with excitement, because they could not only give the Offenbachers the necessary self-confidence, but also show that they can exist despite the number of challenges.