Kathi Naschenweng interview: 'Quickly became clear I wanted to stay'

Kathi Naschenweng has pledged her commitment to FC Bayern Women – and talks in an interview with fcbayern.com about the feeling of having established herself, highs and lows, the special Munich mix of big city and home, and how the club supported her in difficult times. A conversation about what remains when the celebrations have died down.

Interview with Kathi Naschenweng

Kathi, congratulations on your contract extension, you’re staying at FC Bayern until 2028. You’ve only just signed – how does it feel?
Kathi Naschenweng: “Thank you! Really, really good (smiles). I’m just very happy. We had really great talks and it’s nice that everything’s wrapped up now.”

A special moment: Kathi Naschenweng celebrated her first German championship in 2024. The trophy was presented in Hoffenheim of all places – where the Austrian previously spent five years. | © Imago

What persuaded you to stay at FC Bayern for two more years?
“There are many reasons. The entire club, the environment and everything offered here convinced me to stay for more years. That played a big role, especially the last couple of years, in which I’ve felt very at home. I've experienced many wonderful moments here, like my first championship, but also difficult times due to injuries, during which the club provided invaluable support. Therefore it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to stay for two more years.”

A lot is spoken about the team spirit and the special atmosphere in the camp. What characterises that togetherness for you personally?
“The team and the entire staff are simply fantastic. We work very well together, you immediately feel welcome and received. That goes for everyone who joins us. There’s an open style of communication, which is also a reason why I feel so at home here and am looking forward to the coming years.”

The team and the entire staff are simply fantastic. We work very well together.

Kathi Naschenweng on the special togetherness at FC Bayern Women

You’ve been in Munich for two and a half years now.
“I actually felt at home in Munich from the start. The city quickly became home for me – after all it’s very similar to my home. There are lots of mountains and lakes in the surrounding area. It’s a place that also has so much to offer culturally.”

You’ve already won a few trophies with FC Bayern in the last few years. Specifically: two German championships, one DFB Cup and two Supercups. Is there one success that particularly sticks with you?
“If I had to pick out one moment, it would be my first German championship. That was really something very special, in my very first season here. It was particularly emotional for me because we got to celebrate the title in Hoffenheim of all places, where I had a wonderful time before.”

Kathi Naschenweng will continue to provide a threat for Bayern Women down the wing in the coming years. | © Imago

Since this season, there are three Austrians in the team with you, Sarah Zadrazil and Barbara Dunst.
“The more Austrians, the better! (laughs) But seriously, it’s really nice to have familiar faces in the side who I’ve known for a while. That goes for Zadi and Dunsti – we’ve known each other through the national team for several years. Dunst and I were even born in the same year, if I remember rightly – we’ve known each other since we were 13 years old. I have a special relationship with both of them and I’m obviously pleased that we’ve now become a trio here.”

You’ve experienced highs and lows in Munich, celebrating great successes but also going through a major injury. If you had to describe your time in Munich so far in a few words, what would they be?
“I’d say it’s been a real roller coaster. I’ve enjoyed some of the best moments of my career here – the two league titles or the cup victory last May, for example. They’re real highlights that I’ll remember forever. But there have also been low points such as my injury. That’s just part of it, though, which is why roller coaster is a fitting description. I’ve grown as both a sportswoman and a person through all these experiences. I'm looking forward to achieving much more with the team in the Champions League, the league and the cup in the coming years.”

📸 Naschenweng made her comeback from her cruciate ligament injury for FC Bayern Women on Matchday 2 of this season:

You’ve been here since summer 2023. In which areas have you developed most?
“As a player, I developed tremendously during my first season in particular. I played a lot and recognised what’s really within me. I want to build on that in the next years: play regularly again, fulfil my potential and reach my best level. I think I’ve also matured as a person since being in Munich. The new city, new people and the experience of an injury – all that has shaped me.”

Thank you for speaking to us, Kathi.
“Thank you!”

✍️ The ink is dry! Kathi Naschenweng is staying with FC Bayern Women until 2028: