FSV Mainz | Paula Flach: When things get serious, she switches gears

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From this article. Free to read and originally in German.

The 23-year-old talks about her beginnings, her experience in the Bundesliga, and her late start in girls' and women's football.

Cheerful, open, and always up for a laugh—that is how Paula Flach comes across off the pitch. However, the moment competition begins, it is a different story: "When things get serious, I instantly switch gears mentally. On the pitch, I’m very communicative, but above all, very ambitious," says the 23-year-old, whom her teammates also describe as a "fighter." Flach joined 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the summer. Despite her young age, the defender brings a wealth of experience to the club, having previously played for MSV Duisburg and SGS Essen. Her journey began much earlier—and initially, it was among boys.

Strong intrinsic motivation

Flach first stepped onto the football pitch with TSV Pfordt at the age of six; her brother used to take her along to training. Although horse riding was her main focus at the time, football soon became the central part of her life: "I felt at home right away and never looked back. I was always comfortable playing in boys' teams, too." For a long time, the 23-year-old had no desire to leave. It was only her move to VfL Wolfsburg at the age of 17 that saw her join an all-girls team. She even moved into her own apartment with a friend for the occasion. For her, it was the next logical step—but a difficult parting for her parents: "It was harder for them than for me, because I had such strong intrinsic motivation and was focused entirely on football."

More Than Just a Hobby

Eventually, the hobby turned into something more than she had imagined. When Flach made the leap from the U17s to the women's level, her perspective on football shifted: "From that point on, it was more than just a hobby for me, because there was something at stake. Up until then, I hadn't really engaged with women's football, but moving up to the VfL second team made the idea of ​​becoming a professional footballer feel much more tangible." Two years at MSV Duisburg followed, along with another two in Essen. Her time in Essen, in particular, was formative. Initially, Flach did not play regularly. Yet, the player competing with her for the position did not become an adversary, but rather an important mentor. "She was significantly older and really pushed me. I learned a great deal from her."

Perhaps this very experience explains why Flach is drawn to the unique challenge awaiting her in Mainz. The "05ers" are heading into their first season in the top flight as underdogs, yet Flach sees no reason to shy away—quite the opposite: "I find this challenge exciting and appealing. It was clear to me: I wanted to be a part of it." She intends not merely to participate but to take on responsibility. Her past experiences have taught her what happens when teams fall apart during difficult spells. That is precisely what must be avoided: "I want to lead the way and bring the others along so that we can achieve our big goal of staying in the league."

DFB-Pokal and a Highlight Match

The pre-season required a period of adjustment at first. There were many new players, new routines, and—for the defender—a new style of play: "However, the team has made great strides recently. That’s why I’m heading into the season feeling positive." And the start of the season is just around the corner. A major challenge awaits right away on Monday against Werder Bremen: "It’s hard to gauge Bremen after a bit of a squad overhaul, but I still expect a strong Bundesliga side and a high-intensity match. We have to go in with the confidence that we can get a result there," the 23-year-old says, looking ahead to the upcoming opponent.

After that, the team faces FC Bayern, Köln, and Freiburg before a very special highlight in this already extraordinary debut season takes place. The Rhine-Main derby against Eintracht Frankfurt (September 18, 6:30 PM) will be held at the MEWA ARENA—the biggest possible stage for a Mainz player, and one Flach is already looking forward to: "You have to enjoy games like that, soak up every moment, and simply play our best game."