The Austrian Women’s National Team will face Slovenia in the first round of the playoffs for the 2025 European Championship on October 25 and 29. 90minuten spoke with Bayern star Sarah Zadrazil about this challenge and why they are facing it.
Sarah, the Austrian Women’s National Team will play against Slovenia twice at the end of October, aiming for the European Championship in Switzerland in 2025. Slovenia has never participated in a major event before but has won all six of their group matches. What kind of opponents are they?
Zadrazil: I believe they were one of the toughest opponents we could have drawn from that pot. We need to be the better team, even though they do have some good individual players that we also know from the German Bundesliga – we will not underestimate them. We haven’t been together as a team for a while now, which is unusual after the start of the season. Personally, I had a toe injury in July, so I was out even longer. We are all looking forward to reuniting now.
The group with Germany and Iceland was not easy, but our goal was to take the direct path – that was also the goal for Iceland.
Sarah Zadrazil
The schedule in July was not ideal because many players were on vacation before that. How did the team coach communicate with you during this time when you were not together for so long?
Zadrazil: The team coach follows our games, not only in Austria but also in Germany, and is always up to date. We are in communication, especially when there are issues like injuries. There are no concerns about fitness for the upcoming games.
Looking back at the games against Iceland, where things didn’t go as planned, how do you analyze those matches?
Zadrazil: It’s hard for me to assess the game in Iceland correctly because the weather conditions were extreme with the wind. Even Germany struggled there. Iceland took advantage of the conditions, something they did well against Germany. The game in Austria was a disappointment for us, despite a good start. We need to learn from these experiences.
The team is going through a transition period. How significant is this factor?
Zadrazil: It’s a different situation for me personally, as many players I was close with are no longer on the team. But we all have the same goal – to be successful. We have a good mix of experienced players and young talents, which is promising.
The clear division between top nations and the rest is no longer as distinct – as we have seen in the Nations League.
Sarah Zadrazil
The dynamics within the team have changed, with younger players stepping up to take on more responsibility. How does this transition feel on the field?
Zadrazil: When players come together in the national team from different backgrounds, we need to make the best of it. Over time, we get to know each other well, similar to a club where players spend a lot of time together. We have talented individuals both on the field and on the bench, showing the growth of women’s football.
In the past, Austria was considered an underdog, but now there is more respect from larger nations. How has this evolution affected the team’s approach to games?
Zadrazil: We have earned respect over the years and continue to receive it from bigger nations. The gap between top nations and the rest is closing, as we have seen in the Nations League. We have improved individually, and our opponents are aware of the quality we bring to the field.
What goals do you have with your club, Bayern Munich?
Zadrazil: Playing for Bayern comes with high ambitions, especially in the Champions League. We aim to advance past the group stage, a goal we missed last year. Personally, reaching a Champions League final would be incredible. We have the quality in the team to achieve success.
The trend of over-commercialization seen in men’s football is also emerging in women’s football. How can the balance between professionalism and maintaining a connection with fans be maintained?
Zadrazil: There is more money in women’s football now, although not as much as in men’s football. It’s essential to improve conditions for female players and maintain the personal connection with fans. We must not lose the essence of women’s football amidst the growing professionalism.
As you plan for the upcoming games against Slovenia, what are your thoughts on the future of the team and your personal goals?
Zadrazil: Our focus is on the upcoming matches, and we are determined to qualify for the 2025 European Championship. Personally, I will continue playing football as long as I enjoy it and perform at a high level. The journey ahead may have its challenges, but we are confident in our abilities to overcome them.
