Lena Oberdorf & Katharina Naschenweng interview: ‘We went through the process together’

Lena Oberdorf and Katharina Naschenweng are finally edging closer to their return as the pair took part in parts of team training for the first time again on Saturday. Talking to fcbayern.com, the pair discuss the past few months, the positives of rehabilitation and also why this spell out has been so important for each other.

Interview with Lena Oberdorf & Katharina Naschenweng

Kathi, Lena, it’s great to finally see you out there with the team again. How does it feel being with the team?

Katharina Naschenweng: “It’s all a bit surreal. I can’t really believe it. But I feel good and am so happy. I’m really pleased that Obi and I could take this next step together. It’s not a small one.”

Lena Oberdorf: “It’s similar for me. Rehab has dragged on a bit. But there were sometimes periods where things went quickly. That was obviously also down to Kathi. We’ve always pushed and helped each other.”

You’ve had a hard rehabilitation. Were there also positives that you can take from the past few months?

Naschenweng: “Yes, definitely. I’ve got to know myself better in recent months, whether that’s physically or mentally. You realise what you are actually capable of doing.”

Oberdorf: “I had to realise that not everything always goes according to plan and that this is okay sometimes. I learnt to be patient with myself and my body. Obviously, it was unusual to have to learn certain things all over again. But over time, that was fine. The patience factor will certainly help me in the future too.”

What are your goals for what’s to come?

Naschenweng: “In the first few weeks, it's important to find your feet again, build up confidence and feel assured with your knee. That's not easy, as you're exposed to a lot of stimuli again when you're in team training. In the medium term, it would be nice if we could play one more game in the current season. But I'm also realistic. If it works out, then it works out. If not, I'm ready to go all out again next season.”

Oberdorf: “I've resolved to stay relaxed and just give my body the time it needs. I don't want to be too hard on myself and just enjoy being back on the pitch.”

Looking back, what gave you the courage and strength to get through this time?

Naschenweng: “First of all, I’d like to mention Obi. She was with me every day. We took the opportunity to go through the process together and as a team. You always doubt yourself from time to time and have certain fears. My family was also an important factor. They carried me through the whole process and put up with my moods. I don't think it was always that easy. A footballer without football – your mood can be different every day, depending on how the knee is feeling.”

Oberdorf: “Kathi, but also the rehab coaches, kept building me up. That was good for me. Friends like Lea [Schüller] and Giuli [Gwinn] were also very important. In general, the whole team was always extremely supportive and carried Kathi and me through this time. I think it's important to maintain your little bubble in a phase like this and to know exactly who you can count on.”

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