Carolin Engelhard: A Week in the Life | OneFootball

Now 10 games into the season, it’s hard to imagine what Karleigh Osborne’s starting line-up previously looked like without Carolin Engelhard in it.

The defender has started in all nine games that she has played so far for the Bees since crossing moving to the club from Richmond Park in the off-season.

Joining forces with fellow defenders Regan Graver, Samantha Read, Lucy Potter and others, Engelhard has helped lead a brick wall of a Brentford backline.

Health has played a key part in Engelhard’s success this season, the defender leaning on the staff at the club to ensure she is at her best each week for matchday.

“Obviously we have the football side of things with Karleigh and Sean [Hillier], but for me personally it’s also really important to have Bea [Ostrowska] as an S&C coach and Charles [Rennie] as a physio there,” said Engelhard.

“When coming back from a longer injury, I think it’s really reassuring to have them there, to take you through a proper warm-up and to really get you ready for the session.

“Then also if there’s a slight niggle, to have Charles there so he can have a look at it and give you some exercises to do so you don’t even have the risk of being out for longer; mentally that’s really good to know as well.”

Engelhard’s professionalism has been on display throughout her short time at the club, however her work away from the pitch has helped ensure she is in the best physical and mental state each week.

She balances a busy work schedule with regular training and matchdays at Brentford, while also fitting in extra sessions in her days off.

“I work in research at a hospital, so I usually work 8-4 Monday to Friday. On Mondays, we don’t have training but after a game I might try and get to the gym and do a light session,” explained Engelhard.

“Tuesdays we get to the training ground, [and we’ll do] a gym session or some analysis which is always really good.

“On Wednesdays I have a couple of hours to myself [after work] and then get to training for 8 o’clock. On Thursdays, I try and catch up on some sleep. Friday is training as well and last day of the work week.

“Saturdays, I just really take it slow. I'll maybe go to the gym in the morning, love a brunch, maybe go on a longer walk or bike ride and then go to bed early.”

Sunday will be Engelhard’s first clash with her old side when Brentford welcome Richmond Park to Bedfont Sports Club in the league.

Richmond sit 11th in the LSE Division One North table, with one draw and seven losses to their name.