In the current squad, there are also several talents that have the potential to open for German A selection in the future. These include 17-year-old Kassandra Potsi or 18-year-old Leonie Köpp. Players like Natasha Kowalski (22), Lany Mia Bäcker (17) or Paulina Platner (19) also ran for the DFB’s U-selection. But the young players rarely demonstrate their qualities. Even before the Wolfsburg game, Augustin criticized Kowalski and Platner.
The former VfL player has to “just work harder in the game and show through significantly more running work that she is there,” said the coach about Kowalski and indirectly made it clear that he is not completely satisfied with her attitude. At Platner, the sporting aspect predicted in criticism.
“She needs too many contacts in the central midfield to play passes. It takes too long for the ball to arrive, she knows that,” said Augustin. He also demanded a “more constant technology” from his player. But that needs “a little more time and training for development,” he said. Time that the SGS may not have in this critical phase.
The failure of Lilli Purtscheller is also bitter for the club. In the past two seasons, the Austrian national player has been part of the regular staff in Essen midfield. However, the 22-year-old has failed since July. In training, Purtscheller tore the cruciate ligament. A assignment before the second half of the season is considered excluded. Means: Augustin will have to master the turn with the players available to him in the coming weeks.
However, the tasks are not easier for the Essen. The tricky guest performance at RB Leipzig is already on the plan on Friday. A week later, the team receives TSG Hoffenheim around DFB striker Selina Cerci. At the beginning of November it will be the most difficult away game of the year: Essen guests at the German champion FC Bayern.