Neid predicts another German club triumph

A German finalist for the eighth time in the ten seasons of UEFA's women's club competition is guaranteed in London on 26 May and national coach Silvia Neid predicts that either FCR 2001 Duisburg or 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam will ensure a seventh European crown for the Frauen-Bundesliga.

Duisburg welcome Potsdam on Saturday for the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final, with holders Turbine staging the return eight days later and hoping to eliminate their compatriots in the same round as last season. Olympique Lyonnais or Arsenal LFC will await the winner in the Craven Cottage final, but Neid believes either German contender will prove too strong.

"It is a pity that an all-German final is not possible due to the draw," Neid told UEFA.com. "Both teams have had a very good campaign so far and I don't feel that any team can compete with them at the same level."

Potsdam were on top domestically this term, taking a third straight league title, and should they hold on to their European crown they will equal 1. FFC Frankfurt's record of three continental triumphs. "They have won the big games and beaten all their strong opponents, they again had a fantastic season," Neid said. "Even though there may have been some ups and downs, it is very positive for Potsdam."

Neid, who will lead Germany on home soil in their bid for a third consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup this summer, points to one of her international charges as key for Potsdam. "Lira Bajramaj is a fantastic player and is in excellent shape," she said. "And the young players have been integrated very well."

Though Duisburg were only third in Germany, Neid still thinks highly of the 2009 European champions. "It's similar at Duisburg, but it was a bit of a pity that they had some players injured throughout the season and also goalkeeper Uschi Holl hasn't played for a while, but I still think that Duisburg developed in the last year and also successfully integrated young players," Neid said.

Of the two clubs, Neid reckons Potsdam would be especially formidable in the final, having reached the first restyled UEFA Women's Champions League decider in Getafe a year ago, beating Lyon on penalties. "The stadium is much more packed than in the Bundesliga, players have to conduct more interviews, so I think it is an advantage if you have had this experience before," she said. "Should Potsdam reach the final again, I am convinced they will successfully deal with the challenge again."

The UEFA Women's Champions League replaced the UEFA Women's Cup that had run for eight campaigns, and Neid says the revamp was just what the tournament deserved. "'Champions League' sounds completely different to 'UEFA Cup' and I am glad the final is played as a one-off match now, as this is the way a final should be," she explained, delighted that the 2012 decider will be on home soil in Munich. "The stadium for that game will be packed or even sold out if there is another German finalist. It will be a great event."