Nicole Anyomi: I like the vision of the club
This summer, German national player Nicole Anyomi made a move to England and joined the London City Lionesses. She is amongst a growing number of players who transfer to England or Spain. We talked to her about the attraction of these leagues, her football upbringing at SGS Essen and a philosophy for women ’s football.
When you started as a young player a lot of the „women only“ clubs were still around in Germany. Most of them disappeared by now, SGS Essen was the last to be relegated. In your opinion, what does that mean for women’s football in Germany?
Nicole Anyomi: I think it is a little bit sad to see that there are no women-only clubs left in the Bundesliga. I started my career at SGS Essen so I know how special these clubs can be. They give young players a chance to develop and play at a high level. At the same time women’s football is growing and it is becoming more professional. Big clubs have more money and better facilities so it is difficult for smaller women-only clubs to compete. I think it is important that we don’t forget the work these clubs have done for women’s football in Germany.
What was the special appeal of transferring to a club that concentrates solely on women’s football and is part of a bigger philosophy for the sport?
For me, it was very interesting to join a club where women’s football is the main focus. You can feel that everything is built around the women’s team and around helping women’s football grow. I also liked the vision of the club and what they want to build for the future. I wanted to be part of something new and exciting and also challenge myself in a new country and a new league.
Many players that also belong to the national team have left the German Bundesliga in recent years. What makes especially the English and Spanish league so attractive?
I think both leagues have developed a lot in the last few years. Especially in England, there is a lot of investment in women’s football. The league is very competitive, there are many good players and teams, and the attention around women’s football is getting bigger. For German players, going abroad is also a chance to experience a different style of football, a different culture and a new environment. I think this can help you develop as a player and also as a person.
On the other hand, would you say Germany lacks devotion to women’s football? What should improve?
Germany has a lot of history and has done many good things for the women’s game. But I think there is still room to improve. Other countries are investing a lot and developing very fast, so Germany has to continue to develop too. It is important to invest in facilities, visibility, marketing and the conditions for the players. The goal should be to make the Bundesliga as attractive as possible for German and international players.
Title picture: IMAGO/MB Media Solutions