Hegering and Co. are expected to take 1. FC Köln to a new level

The young women's team of 1.FC Köln has signed four experienced players so that the team can avoid the relegation battle in the coming season.

The recent stadium visit left a lasting impression on the 1. FC Köln women's team. Their second victory and the fantastic atmosphere in the Cologne stadium during their men's match against SC Freiburg (4:1) are a real incentive for the women's Bundesliga team.

"We hope we can carry the momentum from the men. We hope we can build on that a bit," Marina Hegering told WDR. On Saturday (September 6, 2025, 2 p.m.), the FC women can show whether they can transform the emotional impressions into positive energy against RB Leipzig.

The 35-year-old, former Wolfsburg player and former international player (42 appearances) is new to Cologne this season and, with her experience, is expected to be a key pillar of coach Britta Carlson's young team.

"I'm a leader. This is a completely new challenge for me because there are a lot of young players," says Hegering. "I still have to feel my way around it a bit."

But of course, the defender isn't expected to take the new Cologne team to a new level all on her own. Ten departures are offset by the same number of arrivals.

Among them is Pauline Bremer. The striker and international player most recently played for English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, has won virtually every title (including two Champions League titles), and is likely to be considered a real asset. "I'm looking forward to Germany and the Bundesliga again. It's a very exciting league, with ambitious newcomers next season," says Bremer.

Sandra Jessen is the third player in the group, and she will also bear considerable responsibility next season. The 30-year-old Icelandic international, who already played for Leverkusen's Rhineland rivals for two years, is expected to provide the necessary momentum in attack.

And: With former national goalkeeper Lisa Schmitz (33), another experienced player has transferred from runner-up VfL Wolfsburg to the Rhine. Now the priority is to establish a new hierarchy within the team as quickly as possible.

The Cologne team aims to perform significantly better in their fifth Bundesliga season than they did last season, not least thanks to the additional experience and quality. What exactly is this about?

"That we achieve early relegation. We can now talk about what constitutes early. Certainly not in March or April. We want to get more points than in recent years, but I also consider our team strong enough for that," says FC Women's and Girls' Football Director Nicole Bender-Rummler.

Last season, FC finished tenth and third from last. Now, the path to victory is set to continue upwards. "We'd really like to reach a single-digit position in the table," says Hegering, describing the Cologne team's goal for the season.

Our sources:

• WDR
• 1. FC Cologne
• football
• Women
• Bundesliga
• Women's Bundesliga