Barbara Dunst: ‘This match is different; it means a lot to me’

You can tell what Barbara Dunst has been through in recent weeks even before she says a word. There’s a quiet radiance that only people who have had to fight for their comeback every day possess. Nuremberg, the Campus in Munich, and most recently Ingolstadt – Three places, three moments that were like markers on a new map for her. First back on the pitch, then her first goal, and finally the certainty that her knee is holding up, and her head is too. Now, ahead of the away game in Frankfurt on Sunday, Dunst returns to a place she has never really been able to say goodbye to since moving to the Bavarian capital in the summer. Dunst played there for six years, growing with a solid core of teammates, supported by a city she still calls “magical” today.

The 28-year-old talks about old teammates, messages before the reunion and Eintracht's special DNA. She also explains her own gratitude at being healthy again. An interview about a return that means more than just an entry in the fixture list.

Interview with Barbara Dunst

Dunsti, looking back on the past few weeks, what has been the most moving experience for you?
“That's very difficult to say. It's been a really intense time for me. My comeback in Nuremberg was a very special moment, as was my first game here at the Campus in Munich. Then came Ingolstadt, where I scored my first goal, and most recently the games for the national team. Being back on the pitch after my long injury break and feeling so fit is the greatest gift ever for me. I enjoy being healthy and being able to train with the girls again. I don't take that for granted and it fills me with great gratitude.”

🔙 Retrace Dunst’s return to fitness and her debut for Bayern:

How is your knee?
“It feels really good. I was recently able to play 90 minutes without any discomfort. Sometimes I even feel like I never left. Of course, I'm taking a lot of precautions to prevent any problems, but overall I feel fitter than ever – both physically and mentally. It's just great to be back in full swing.”

This weekend, you'll be playing your first match against your old club, Frankfurt. Do you feel any different than usual?
“Yes, definitely. This match is different for me. Because of my cruciate ligament injury, I was never able to properly say goodbye to Frankfurt at club level. Now, after my comeback, it's even more emotional to return. I've been in touch with some of my former teammates; they know how much the club means to me and how much this match means to me. It's no secret that this match means a lot to me personally.”

You've seen many matches between Frankfurt and Bayern. What makes these games so special from a sporting perspective?
“The games between Bayern and Frankfurt have always been particularly intense. Frankfurt have a mentality that makes it difficult for any opponent. Eintracht are always particularly motivated against us, often pushing themselves even harder than usual. You can really feel how much they want to win these games and how hungry they are. Frankfurt, the club, the fans, in fact the whole city, have their own unique DNA – they are difficult to play against. We saw that this season in Wolfsburg, where they showed impressive spirit even when they were a player down. We really have to be on top form because they will play with a lot of power and passion.”

You're playing at the Stadion am Brentanobad this weekend. What makes this venue so special?
“I've always loved playing there. It was and still is difficult for any team to compete there. Everything is close, the fans are loud, the stadium is compact and powerful. The atmosphere is unique, it's almost magical. I've always found the atmosphere there very motivating. We want to hold our own there at the weekend, but we know how difficult it will be. The fans' support carries the team, which makes the task anything but easy.”

Are you still in touch with former teammates from Frankfurt?
“Yes, absolutely. For example, I recently messaged Tanja Pawollek, who has been playing for Union Berlin as of this year. She knows how much Frankfurt and my return mean to me. I'm also still in touch with Geraldine Reuteler, Jella Veit, Nadine Riesen and Nicole Anyomi from time to time. I'm also really looking forward to seeing coach Niko Arnautis again. Many people in Frankfurt have been very important companions for me in my career. They have shaped me along the way and made me the person I am today. It will be very special for me.”

You played for Frankfurt for around six years. How do you find the difference compared to Munich?
“In Frankfurt, I grew up alongside many players – I arrived as a young player – and we were a well-established core for a long time. Here in Munich, the standards are incredibly high, everything is very professional, but still very warm. You can feel that everyone is hungry for titles. It's fun to work with so many strong and special personalities. I've had a lot of playing time since my injury and I feel comfortable. But I'm rarely really satisfied – I always want more. Now, after my injury, the exciting phase is just beginning.”

For fans who will be in Frankfurt this weekend, are there any places you can recommend?
“The city is completely different from Munich, but it has its own unique charm. My favourite place was Lohrberg, which is a little outside the city but has a breathtaking view. Then there's the entire skyline in the city centre. Especially in the evening hours, when the city lights come on, it feels a bit like a smaller version of New York. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere in the neighbourhoods, such as Sachsenhausen with its many cafés.”

Dunsti, thank you for talking to us and good luck this weekend.
“Thank you.”

Read our preview for Sunday in Frankfurt: