Tonight represents a special game for Nilla Fischer. The Sweden international is back in her homeland with VfL Wolfsburg for tonight’s Champions League round of 16 match against Eskilstuna United, kicking off at 19:00 CET. The 32-year-old spoke to DFB.de about the meaning of the game to her and some of the differences in the women’s game between Sweden and Germany.
DFB.de: What can you tell us about Eskilstuna United?
Nilla Fischer: First and foremost I’d say that we go into the game as favourites, but we really shouldn’t underestimate these opponents. Obviously I still watch the Swedish league quite a lot, and Eskilstuna have built up a history of very good performances recently. Women’s football in Sweden is at a really good level in general, and a number of the teams there would certainly be competitive in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga. Eskilstuna are one of those teams.
DFB.de: The rapid rise of the club as a whole is particularly impressive - they’ve only been playing in the top flight since 2013.
Fischer: They’ve worked their way up really quickly and grown a lot as a team. The club as a whole might actually be a little bit behind in that regard, but there’s no doubting the quality they have in the squad. Olivia Schough in particular, who I play with in the Swedish national team, is really important - she’s always good for a goal or two. Quite a few of the Eskilstuna squad are now regularly part of the national team as well.
DFB.de: How does women’s football in Sweden compare with Germany?
Fischer: The differences are still really big, especially when it comes to the professional level. As I mentioned, the top teams are at a really good level, but there’s quite a big gap after that. Overall, women’s football in Germany is still a few steps ahead of the game in Sweden. That’s quite clear to see at big international tournaments as well.
DFB.de: What are your aims for this season?
Fischer: That much has been fairly consistent since I joined VfL in 2013. We want to do the best we possibly can every year and win as much as possible. At the moment we are looking strong in all three competitions and we want to keep that going.
DFB.de: Does the Champions League have an extra significance for you?
Fischer: No, for me the Bundesliga is the most important trophy. We have to stay strong in the league and make sure that we finish at least second in the table so that we are able to play in Europe again. Of course the ideal is to bring in another title. Bayern have taken the last two titles but we are doing our best to get into that position.
DFB.de: You are now in your fourth season at VfL Wolfsburg – how have you found your time there so far?
Fischer: I have absolutely no regrets about the decision. On the contrary, I am delighted to be a part of this team and this club. Things keep getting better and better for me. My German is strong enough that I can really speak comfortably with the rest of the team in the dressing room, and that is really important for me.
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Tonight represents a special game for Nilla Fischer. The Sweden international is back in her homeland with VfL Wolfsburg for tonight’s Champions League round of 16 match against Eskilstuna United, kicking off at 19:00 CET. The 32-year-old spoke to DFB.de about the meaning of the game to her and some of the differences in the women’s game between Sweden and Germany.
DFB.de: What can you tell us about Eskilstuna United?
Nilla Fischer: First and foremost I’d say that we go into the game as favourites, but we really shouldn’t underestimate these opponents. Obviously I still watch the Swedish league quite a lot, and Eskilstuna have built up a history of very good performances recently. Women’s football in Sweden is at a really good level in general, and a number of the teams there would certainly be competitive in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga. Eskilstuna are one of those teams.
DFB.de: The rapid rise of the club as a whole is particularly impressive - they’ve only been playing in the top flight since 2013.
Fischer: They’ve worked their way up really quickly and grown a lot as a team. The club as a whole might actually be a little bit behind in that regard, but there’s no doubting the quality they have in the squad. Olivia Schough in particular, who I play with in the Swedish national team, is really important - she’s always good for a goal or two. Quite a few of the Eskilstuna squad are now regularly part of the national team as well.
DFB.de: How does women’s football in Sweden compare with Germany?
Fischer: The differences are still really big, especially when it comes to the professional level. As I mentioned, the top teams are at a really good level, but there’s quite a big gap after that. Overall, women’s football in Germany is still a few steps ahead of the game in Sweden. That’s quite clear to see at big international tournaments as well.
DFB.de: What are your aims for this season?
Fischer: That much has been fairly consistent since I joined VfL in 2013. We want to do the best we possibly can every year and win as much as possible. At the moment we are looking strong in all three competitions and we want to keep that going.
DFB.de: Does the Champions League have an extra significance for you?
Fischer: No, for me the Bundesliga is the most important trophy. We have to stay strong in the league and make sure that we finish at least second in the table so that we are able to play in Europe again. Of course the ideal is to bring in another title. Bayern have taken the last two titles but we are doing our best to get into that position.
DFB.de: You are now in your fourth season at VfL Wolfsburg – how have you found your time there so far?
Fischer: I have absolutely no regrets about the decision. On the contrary, I am delighted to be a part of this team and this club. Things keep getting better and better for me. My German is strong enough that I can really speak comfortably with the rest of the team in the dressing room, and that is really important for me.
