Overview

• Essen open the 2025/26 Frauen-Bundesliga on Friday at 18:30 away to Eintracht Frankfurt under floodlights.
• After Markus Högner’s exit to Borussia Dortmund, Robert Augustin has been promoted to teamchef alongside Thomas Gerstner, with Jessica Wissmann joining as co-trainer.
• Preseason delivered eight wins from eight and 29 goals, and Augustin has set targets of an upper-half finish and developing national-team players.
• Key changes include striker Annalena Rieke’s move to AS Roma, goalkeeper Sophia Winkler’s departure, and a long-term ACL absence for Lilli Purtscheller.
• Reinforcements feature the return of midfielder Jana Feldkamp from Hoffenheim and attacker Shari van Belle, while the starting goalkeeper call between Luisa Palmen and Kim Sindermann remains in-house.