Back
2.03.2024Women

Interview with ex-player Turid Knaak before DFB Cup quarter-final at BayArena: ‘A lot of potential’

It’s only the second time in the club's history after 2009 that Bayer 04 Women will play at the BayArena, when they host SGS Essen in the DFB Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, 5 March (kick-off: 6.30pm). Ahead of the game, bayer04.de spoke to a former player who was on the pitch that day 15 years ago. Turid Knaak played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win for eventual cup winners FCR 2001 Duisburg. A year and a half later, she moved to Leverkusen and would remain here until 2017. In this interview, the former Germany international talks about her memories of 2009, the significance of the quarter-final at the BayArena, and the development of women's football at Bayer 04.
crop_Turid_Knaak.jpg

Turid, you played in Bayer 04 Women’s only previous match at the BayArena back in 2009. What was your experience of the game back then?

Knaak: It was my first game in a big stadium. It's something very special that you never forget, especially as it was at a time when it wasn't yet common for women's teams to play in large stadiums. I felt that Bayer 04's move at the time was very appreciative. Even though we went into the game as clear favourites, we were still a bit nervous because we didn't know the setting. I still remember standing on the sidelines and seeing the lower tier of the opposing stand full of fans, who created a great atmosphere. After the final whistle, the fans celebrated the team with megaphones and a humba despite the defeat. It was a great atmosphere for the time, and I still remember it very vividly. I thought it was great what the club did for women's football back then, it left a good impression on me.

A year and a half later, you moved to Leverkusen, where you played until 2017. What memories do you have of your time at Bayer 04?

Knaak: It was an extremely valuable time for me. I was able to develop in a very good environment. We had access to a lot of the men’s first team's infrastructure, such as the Werkstatt. Sometimes we even at in the BayArena and then also had top conditions at the Kurtekotten performance centre. Although we mostly competed in relegation battles, we had a very talented young team. Many of these players went on to become national team players.

Turid Knaak im Duisburger Trikot

How have you followed the development of Bayer 04 Women since then?

Knaak: I naturally follow events closely, not least in my role as a TV pundit, and my heart is still attached to the club due to our past. That makes me take an even closer look at what's happening there. You can tell that the department has become more and more professional in recent years. All the players are now professionals. We used to often play to stay up, but now Leverkusen is an established club with ambitions to compete in the top flight. The development seems very consistent to me.

What do you think of the club's decision to stage the women's quarter-final at the BayArena?

Knaak: In other European countries, especially in England, you can see that games like this have a lot of potential to convince people of women's football who don't watch the games on a normal weekend. These people can quickly become new fans. That's why I think Bayer 04's move is important. It's a great sign.

What tips can you give the players so that they can fully focus on the game despite the unusual circumstances?

Knaak: It's important not to let the setting make you nervous. You have to be very careful to stay focused despite the different conditions and not let yourself go crazy. At the same time, it's important to play your game and simply enjoy the evening. The people are in the stadium for the players, and they can show what they've got. My experience has also been that once the game starts, people forget about all the other stuff. Then it's just a football match.

It's important not to let the setting make you nervousTurid Knaak

What kind of game are you expecting on and off the pitch?

Knaak: I'm expecting an open game between the two teams. Both stand for good attacking football. It could go back and forth, and there could be lots of scoring chances. Essen are in very good form and played a great game against Bayern Munich. I think it's going to be very entertaining for the spectators and I hope a lot of people will come along. The atmosphere in Leverkusen is very positive anyway, so it would be nice if some fans could take this momentum with them and also support the women. The girls need this support, especially as Essen will certainly come with some fans.

How close are you still with former colleagues from your time at Leverkusen?

Knaak: Some of my former teammates are still among my closest friends today. My stay at Leverkusen was the longest of my professional career, so of course I formed close bonds that can last a lifetime. Of the current squad, Melissa Friedrich is the only one I played with, but that was quite a while ago [laughs].

Related News

Eröffnung der Bayer 04-Fanwelt
Fans - 20.11.2024

Fanzone official launch – 'First impression: Simply wow!'

The brand-new Bayer 04 Fanzone in the South Stand at the BayArena has opened for all Werkself fans. The official launch of the 700 square metre plus state-of-the-art interactive shopping and world of experience on Wednesday afternoon followed an exclusive event the night before. The symbolic starting shot was made by special honoured guests before several hundred fans were able to gain their first impressions of the numerous products and interactive facilities – and the response has been very positive.

Show more
crop_imago1046819438h.jpg
Bayer 04 - 20.11.2024

International updates: Big win for Hincapie – Czechia with Kovar promoted

Twelve Werkself players have been selected for their national teams in the final international break of the year, with the Leverkusen's international players competing in the final group matches in the UEFA Nations League, in qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. We round up all the results involving Bayer 04 players here.

Show more
Kristin Kögel beim DFB-Team
Women - 19.11.2024

Women: Five Leverkusen players in Germany U23 squad

Five players in the Bayer 04 Women squad have been selected for the Germany U23s for two international fixtures. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday afternoon.

Show more
Stadtteilspieltag Hitdorf
Fans - 19.11.2024

Third district matchday of 2024/25: Bayer 04 is Hitdorf!

Bayer 04’s Bundesliga game at home to St. Pauli on Saturday, 7 December will be the next district matchday of the season, with the district of Hitdorf being the stage for numerous activities in the week building up to the fixture against the promoted side.

Show more
Fanwelt
Fans - 18.11.2024

Fanzone opens on 20 November: A highlight for all Bayer 04 supporters

The Bayer 04 Fanzone opens in two days time on Wednesday, 20 November in the South Stand at the BayArena. Bayer 04 fans will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art, interactive shopping and fan experience covering more than 700 square metres. Black and Reds supporters are warmly welcome to spend an exciting day in this brand-new area at the stadium.

Show more