By Ben Gilby (16/1/22)
Above: Steph Catley in action for Australia last year. Photo: Football Australia.
Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley spoke yesterday from Australia’s pre-Asia Cup training camp in Dubai about her preparations for the competition.
The Arsenal defender highlighted the importance of having to manage the load of playing so many games with regular UEFA Women’s Champions League matches on top of FA Women’s Super League action throughout December. “It’s been a very heavy schedule for me. I have though had some time at home, special time to spend with family and that was refreshing and I can start on the next chapter now and I’m excited for the Asia Cup tournament.
“It had been a long time since I was able to stop and relax. I’ve been able to get that love and home support, but also to rest my legs too.
“The off-season this year I will have that break. I’m getting older, so I need to break things up every now and then.
“This preparation time is important. There are lots of games in a short space of time, so every player needs to be able to step into different roles. We’ve been working hard for the last four days, doing walk-throughs and getting the tactics right. It seems like everyone is on the same page and ready to go. We’ve spent two days each on attacking and defending. We’re ready to go.”
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