[ad_1]
It was not long and Carolin Simon would have been on the field for the Champions League final on Sunday.
A week ago, the 27-year-old lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich against the big favorite Olympique de Lyon. Simon scored the first goal with a free kick and then Sydney Lohmann hit the crossbar.
Instead of standing on the grass in the final, Simon now has to settle for a seat in front of the TV at home. However, the defender, who was signed with Lyon until 2019, is looking forward to the duel between the Frenchman and VfL Wolfsburg.
TO SPORT1 it explains why Bayern failed, why Lyon is the measure of all things, and Wolfsburg still has a chance.
Triple hunt! Women’s Champions League Final with VfL Wolfsburg – Sunday starting at 7pm LIVE on free TV on SPORT1 and on broadcast!
SPORT1: A week ago you narrowly missed the surprise with FC Bayern and lost the semi-finals against Lyon. Why was it not enough in the end?
Carolin Simon: In this game you can see which individual class Lyon has. I think we defended very well against such a team for more than 90 minutes. But still, two or three moments are enough for the opponent if you don’t solve it optimally. The quality of Lyon is too high for that and they mercilessly punish every little mistake.
SPORT1: In the end, the match was razor-sharp, there was even a crossbar for Bayern. Were you very upset that you only rocked the favorite but didn’t knock it down?
Simon: Yes. We were close to equalizing in the last 20 minutes after the goal. We had a lot of possession, more pull forward, we had two or three situations in addition to the crossbar that we had to solve better. That was annoying, with a little more luck one or the other ball would have gone into the net.
“Everything has to work 100 percent against Lyon”
SPORT1: You played for Olympique Lyonnais for a year until the summer of 2019. Can you describe the team as the non-plus-ultra in women’s football?
Simon: In my opinion, yes. That was crazy when you look at the training sessions. In the whole field there are only top stars, the level of training was incredibly high. I have never experienced it on this scale before and I believe it is not available anywhere else at this time. I think Lyon is better placed by individual players. It was a great experience to be part of it for a season.
Become the tipster of Germany! Register now for the SPORT1 prediction game
SPORT1: Which player should VfL Wolfsburg watch out for on Sunday?
Simon: In fact, I find it difficult to say who to look for. Each player has her qualities in her position. Even if there is a problem outside the game, they come with their standard strength, their outstanding shooters like Wendy Renard. If you want to beat Lyon, then everything has to work 100 percent, and you still need a little luck.
SPORT1: What do you think VfL Wolfsburg can do in Sunday’s final?
Simon: VfL Wolfsburg already has experience when it comes to the Champions League finals. He also won the title and has played Lyon several times. They also have great players in their ranks and they don’t have to hide. I’m excited and I hope it’s a really good game, especially for women’s football. For German football, it would also be good if there was a German winner, although it hurts a bit that FC Bayern is not.
SPORT1: 15 months ago you were in the Champions League final with Lyon. What memories do you have of the final?
Simon: The 24 hours were really exciting. It was my first final, all the hustle and bustle around it, all the media attention, it was a great experience. I’m really thankful that I was able to witness it and couldn’t imagine what it would be like before. Now I know and I really want to experience it again. That’s why I already envy the players on Sunday.
