Borussia Dortmund Women Aim for Bundesliga Promotion
The Borussia Dortmund women’s team is currently in Austria for a pre-season training camp, strategically planning their ascent to the Bundesliga second tier. Last season, despite a remarkable goal difference of +101, the team fell short of promotion, finishing just two points behind the leader. To address this, the club has swiftly made significant signings to strengthen their squad and avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment.
New Signings Reflect Ambitious Goals
Managing Director Svenja Schlenker expressed confidence in the team’s new acquisitions, notably highlighting Manuela Sinsberger, an Austrian goalkeeper with a rich history at Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Along with German soccer icon Alexandra Popp, Sinsberger’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for Dortmund, showcasing the club’s commitment to achieving its aspirations.
Ginsberger Discusses Motivations for Transition
Sinsberger, 30, explained her decision to leave Arsenal after last season for a career in German football’s third tier. While her choice surprised many, she cited family considerations and engaging discussions with Schlenker about the club’s vision as pivotal factors. She emphasized the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone to embrace the club’s ambitious plans and to contribute to their future successes.
Setting High Expectations
Dortmund’s ambitions to join the likes of Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga are indicative of the club’s desire to elevate women’s soccer in Germany. Despite the challenges, Schlenker stated that it’s crucial for the club to focus on its current position while laying the groundwork for future growth. “Other countries are slightly ahead of us,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of a solid strategy moving forward.
Addressing Competitive Challenges
Ginsberger echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the need for hard work to bridge the gap with top leagues, particularly in England. “To be in the spotlight like Bayern versus Borussia, we must unite as a team and deliver results,” she remarked. The focus, she noted, is on taking one match at a time, with each game presenting an opportunity for improvement and success.
Leadership and Experience as Key Drivers
The recruitment of Sinsberger and Popp, alongside Ralf Kellermann, a veteran Wolfsburg sporting director now in the same role at Dortmund, underscores the club’s ambitious trajectory. Schlenker emphasized that their extensive experience is essential for navigating the team’s growth and evolution. “We started in the seventh division, and we’ve consistently achieved milestones, but now we have the expertise to enhance our performance every day,” she stated.
Infrastructure Development for Future Success
Schlenker elaborated on plans for a dedicated training facility adjacent to the men’s campus, acknowledging that infrastructure is critical for attracting and retaining top talent. Ginsberger affirmed the importance of building a solid foundation for the next generation, declaring her excitement about the potential opportunities at Dortmund. “We all need the right infrastructure to thrive, and I’m thrilled to contribute to this project,” she added.
