Zinsberger is one of the most recognisable faces in Austrian women's football. After winning the Champions League with Arsenal and a turbulent few months with the national team, the summer break came at just the right time – time for family, reflection and an in-depth conversation about sporting challenges, personal developments and new goals.
In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, she explains why she can still make a big impact as number two, how she deals with media coverage and what she hopes for from the Austrian national team.
Let's start in the here and now: how are you?
"I'm great, I'm with my family in Austria at the moment. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew are here. We're enjoying our time together, we're having a barbecue today and celebrating my son's birthday. So yes, I'm doing pretty well."
When are you heading back to London to start preparing for the new season?
"We start preparing in London on July 17th. That means my wife, my son, and I will fly back to London on July 16th."
How long has it taken you to realise that you've won the Champions League?
"It takes a while to really realise that you're a Champions League winner. Shortly afterwards, I joined the national team. I had to refocus straight away, so I didn't have much time to take it all in at first.
"Only afterwards did I slowly have time to reflect on what had happened and what it meant for me personally. When I look at the medal today or reminisce with photos, it's crazy to think that I can call myself a Champions League winner."
How did you find your role as a substitute? After several years as the undisputed number one, it can't have been an easy situation...
"It's not easy to cope with such a change in role, of course. I think it would be a lie to say, ‘I think being number two is great, I can cope with that easily'. Of course, I had to find my feet first. I was number one at Arsenal for five and a half years.
"It was obvious that things could change in such a fast-paced environment, and there are other good goalkeepers out there. I don't think my performance has dropped, and of course, it wasn't easy to deal with; I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
"Nevertheless, the team comes first for me, and we sort everything else out with the coach anyway. Of course, it's not nice to be number two right now, but I'll keep pushing, I'll stand up to it and give it another go. I'll also make the most of my time in London and work even harder to show what I'm really capable of. And you never know, things can change quickly in football."
Has the backup role had any positive effects on you? I'm thinking of David Alaba, for example, who was very important for the team spirit as non-playing captain at Euro 2024. Is your presence in the dressing room something you'll be focusing on more in the 2024/25 season?
"Yes, definitely. But I do that regardless of whether I'm playing or not. I am a leader, a guiding figure who leads the way, who is on the team council and who wants to make things happen and achieve things. Of course, I tried to use my own style with short inputs, whether it was a WhatsApp message, a pat on the back or a good joke to take the players' minds off things.
"No matter how, I just tried to bring my added value to bear even more. In this reserve role, you realise even more clearly what it really means to put the team first. Of course, I lived that as number one, and I haven't changed as a person. Nevertheless, dealing with this situation was my biggest positive learning experience from the whole thing."
Regardless of the final, what does your current role mean for your future? Could a transfer be on the cards?
"As things stand, I have a contract with Arsenal and I'm going to keep pushing forward. If things change, I'll let my agent know and we'll discuss it. Otherwise, I still have a contract with Arsenal and I intend to honour it. We'll see what happens after that."
What are your expectations for the upcoming season with Arsenal? Where do you need to make improvements to close the gap to Chelsea?
"I don't think we have that much ground to make up. We finished second last season, so we weren't that far off. But of course, we know that we need to perform consistently and maintain this high level. You can't afford to have a game where you give less or let up even one per cent.
"You could see that during the season that we, as a team, as a whole, really have to stick to our plan, work hard and be fully focused until the last minute, until the last game.
"The league is now too strong to let up against teams lower down the table. They take full advantage of that, as was the case for us against Aston Villa and Brighton. We were flying high, but a slight dip in form cost us the chance to win the league. That was down to various factors, which the coach will address again in pre-season. We have an incredibly talented squad. We need to be able to reignite the fire even more in the really tough phases."
Speaking of Chelsea, is there a certain rivalry between the women's teams as well?
"Yes, of course, Arsenal and Chelsea are the ultimate rivals. You can see that among the fans, things also get heated on the pitch. Although we also have a derby with Tottenham, of course, Chelsea against Arsenal is the match of all matches."
The Women's Super League has developed strongly in recent years. How have you experienced this development?
"The development has been incredible, of course. We started out in Borehamwood, at Meadow Park. That held around 4,000 people. And now we're playing almost all our games at the Emirates Stadium – except for a few games in December when the men's schedule clashes.
"Last year, we had an average attendance of 30,000. There were a few games with up to 54,000 fans. Or against Lyon, there were 22,000 there during the week, which is quite a lot. But you also have to look behind the scenes to see what a small, incredibly dedicated team is achieving. This team tries to appeal to the masses, thinking about how to sell even more tickets and how to create an even better fan experience.
"There's an incredible amount of work behind the scenes throughout the club. The players are also very approachable and try to give the fans an incredible experience. And it's also important that we have our own sponsors so that we can invest even more. I've been here for six years now; others have been here much longer.
"It's definitely been a long road, but now we're seeing success, even if I'm still missing the league title, of course. We've now won the Champions League, which will give us another boost. But we mustn't forget what we've left behind in the league in recent years."
In a recent interview with the club, you mentioned the Arsenal community as an important source of support for you. What makes this community so special to you, and what could other clubs learn from it?
"Sometimes we have more away fans than the home team's fans – need I say more? It's always incredible, or the fact that over 5,000 fans travelled to Lisbon. The fans create songs for every single player when a new one joins. The approachability and mutual trust also define this community. The fans believe in us and push us forward, regardless of whether we win or lose.
"That's why we were even more delighted to win the Champions League together with the fans. They played a significant part in getting us where we are and allowing us to lift the trophy."
It's been a turbulent time recently for the Austrian women's national team. Where do you need to start to get the team back to the successful times of 2017 and qualify for the next World Cup?
"Yes, 2017 is a long time ago. Now, in 2025, we have a new coach and many changes in the staff. We have also seen a shake-up among the players in recent years. Among others, Viktoria Schnaderbeck, Carina Wenninger, Nadine Prohaska and Nina Burger are just a few of the many who have left. Of course, that can't be an excuse, but change and the associated role changes and new constellations take time.
"Alexander Schriebl has now completed his third training course. He has brought in new aspects, sharpened the staff's focus and said what he expects from the staff, what the staff needs to give us and what he needs to demand and promote from us. Certain things take time. We can't expect to win all our games in three months and go on a World Cup title hunt.
"We have to face reality. We have a goal, and that is the World Cup. We want to get there for the first time. I think it would be a lie to say that nobody wants that, but at the same time, we have to implement what Alex is teaching us. However, many roles within the team are also changing. Everyone has to come to terms with these changes first. There are still many aspects that need to be refined. You can't expect that to happen in three months, but we can't allow ourselves to play a first half like that against Germany.
"In the game in Nuremberg, we gave Germany almost no chance for 60 minutes. We stood up to them so well, but only in the first 60 minutes. That has to be 90 minutes, and ideally two games in a week. That's why we also have to work on our athleticism.
"In the end, hopefully we'll have everything we need to truly say: this is a new Austria, there's a new spirit, there's a newly formed team with clear roles, good communication and a clear vision. Then it's just a matter of implementing the basics: staying compact at the back, pressing fully, being clear in our passing and making the most of the few chances we get."
Several players have criticised the lack of media coverage surrounding the national team, especially after the Champions League title. Viktoria Schnaderbeck was the first to speak out. How do you see the status quo and the development here?
"First of all, I have to clarify that I was referring to the big headlines and the big TV appearances. There was coverage of the Champions League title, especially online. I'm not saying there was no coverage at all, but where were the really big headlines, where were the big TV appearances? That's what Viktoria Schnaderbeck and I were concerned about.
"For me, it was less about me and more about a woman winning the Champions League in general. If it had been about Sarah Zadrazil or Eileen Campbell, I would have written the same thing. In the meantime, a lot has happened again. There have been more interviews and requests lately. Nevertheless, after winning the title, I simply missed the really big headlines.
"The topic of media coverage was also very topical around the international match against Germany. In addition, the ÖFB's target of attracting 10,000 spectators to the stadium was clearly missed. The fact that the match against Germany ultimately ended in a 0-6 debacle did not help the general mood either. Did the issues surrounding the game perhaps distract you too much and prevent you from focusing on the game itself?
"Of course, it's a shame when you hype up a game as a highlight and then it goes so wrong. But the ÖFB also has to take a look at itself. As footballers, we focus primarily on the football, on what happens on the pitch.
"In sporting terms, we know exactly what the problem is and where we need to improve. The first half against Germany was simply a half to forget. I've rarely seen the mistakes we made. We showed a better side in the second half. Of course, it wasn't outstanding, but it was a step in the right direction. You simply can't afford to make mistakes against Germany.
"But we always focus on what's happening on the pitch. Everything else – the spectators, what we're fighting for, what we stand for, why we promote and support women's football – happens off the pitch. When we step onto the pitch, it's all about putting our hearts into it and giving it our all."
Finally, the big question: who will win the European Championship in Switzerland?
"At the beginning, I always said Spain. Now I'm just excited to see how many teams do well. For example, how England will do as the reigning European champions."