Melanie Leupolz (28): They have an unbelievable amount of talent in their squad that I’ve had the privilege of playing against in the Women’s Super League. With Sarina Wiegman they have a top coach who led the Netherlands to the title in 2017. With the fans behind them, they can go far. In general, the atmosphere in the stadiums will be fantastic, so we can look forward to a football festival.
Two days later, the DFB team starts the tournament. How do you assess the chances of the German players in England?
I definitely count us among the co-favourites. The test against Switzerland (7-0) gave the team even more self-confidence. But at the Arnold Clark Cup the results weren’t right. It turned out that the little things make the difference. But I’m confident that we’ll have a successful tournament.
You are currently under contract with Chelsea, a top team in the Women’s Super League. One often reads that everything is better and more professional in England. Is that correct?
The German top teams like Bayern and Wolfsburg can absolutely keep up with the English, England is by no means miles away. But what is significantly better in the English league are the rules imposed by the league. There are still players in the Bundesliga who work full-time and then train in the evenings. There is no such thing in England. That has to be changed so that the level in the Bundesliga rises.
What else is different at Chelsea?
We have to fill out an app after every game and rate the place. Whether it was too hard or too soft and whether the ball went well. Accordingly, the clubs must ensure good places. Medical staff must be present at every training session. I’m very happy that the European Championships are taking place in England – and that players from other countries can see the top conditions here.
You personally cannot take part in the EM because of your pregnancy.
This is a completely different phase of my life now, but I’m really happy. It’s a shame to miss the European Championship, but I was lucky enough to be part of the 2013 triumph. My personal situation makes me very happy, so joy prevails.
At the beginning of March you communicated the pregnancy to your club, which published a statement. How were the reactions?
Consistently positive, which I didn’t expect at all. It feels like there’s still this thinking: “You’re a competitive athlete, only then can you start a family.” But that seems to be changing at the moment. There are more and more players who have returned to professional football after pregnancy. That’s encouraging.