Six Questions: Verena Wieder of Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Six Questions with Verena Wieder of Bayer Leverkusen…

Verena Wieder is an immensely talented young player who currently plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and has represented Germany at multiple youth levels.

Here she reflects on a successful season with Leverkusen and her goals for the next season, among other things.

Verena Wieder

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

I can imagine that you would have come up against some difficult opponents in your career already, are there any particular opponents who stood out in terms of their ability and talent?

I would say Pernille Harder is the strongest player that I have played against. It was fun to watch her play football, she is so technically skilled, elegant and athletic. She is a very complete player and often makes the difference.

You have had the honour of representing Germany at various youth levels, even being part of title-winning teams, what is it about wearing the national team jersey that you think makes it so special?

It's always an honour to wear the national team jersey and it's great fun to compete at the highest level with the other nations. But looking back, it's also the moments with the players during a tournament that remain in my memory. You spend a lot of time together during a tournament. 

Are there any particular coaches or managers who have helped you reach where you are today that you would like to thank?

All the coaches were very different and were able to teach me different and important things, for which I am very grateful. I worked with the current U17 national coach Friederike Kromp for a long time. She helped and supported us young girls a lot during that time. 

Growing up, who were your idols in the footballing world?

Cristiano Ronaldo has always fascinated me. In women's football, I was a big fan of Marta. 

The recently concluded season was a memorable one for Bayer Leverkusen as they finished 5th in the table, their highest ever finish in the Frauen-Bundesliga, how would you describe your time at the club so far?

I felt very comfortable at the club from day one. I think a big factor for the good season was the positive team atmosphere. We came together really well as a team and developed a great spirit. The team is very young and I am very excited about the further development and hope to be able to contribute my part. 

Are there any short-term goals that you have set for yourself for next season?

My main goal is to get through the season healthy and fit, as I have been dogged by injuries for the past few years. If health plays along, I want to help my team as much as possible to build on the good season and maybe even surpass it. For me personally, as a striker, it would of course be great to support the team with as many goals as possible.