Impetus’ Genevieve Henry reports from Leicester City head coach Willie Kirk‘s media conference ahead of Sunday’s opening WSL game at newly promoted Bristol City (28/9/23).
Above: Leicester City boss Willie Kirk – full of positivity about the season ahead. Photo: Leicester City.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Bristol City, Leicester City head coach Willie Kirk has high hopes for the season. He spoke of the upgrades to both the squad and the staff as being an organic progression as a club. With a new outlook and team, Leicester City will be looking to improve upon last season’s tenth-place finish.
Kirk is optimistic for their first game of the season, as they are very familiar with their opponents. Leicester City and Bristol City faced off in a preseason friendly and some of Kirk’s new coaching staff have come over from the Westcountry side.
Only one player is set to miss out on the clash, and that is Australian striker Remy Siemsen who has hurt her ankle and will be out for at least six weeks. Kirk spoke of how both teams will be starting on zero points so it will be a tough battle. The players are buzzing for the opening game.
Leicester’s goal this summer transfer window was to sign players that would add depth and competition to their squad, in Kirk’s words: “If you can’t develop winners, you need to sign them.”
New signings Janice Cayman, Deanne Rose, Julie Thibaud, Lize Kop, Lena Petermann, and Jutta Rantala are all ones to be excited about for the Foxes. These experienced players are bringing leadership, drive, and a winning mentality to Leicester. Kirk was especially excited by Cayman’s signing and what that says about the club, saying “Janice Cayman didn’t come here to be an underdog.”
The Foxes boss was very happy with the transfer window, saying that they acquired all but one of their targets. They were pleased with the amount of players they kept on board, retaining their core. Ashleigh Plumptre, who signed for Al-Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia was the only player who departed the club that they had hoped would stay.
Many Leicester players participated in the international break recently, which Kirk spoke of as an inconvenience, giving the whole squad less time to prepare for the opening weekend.
Players, namely Jutta Rantala and Janice Cayman came straight to the training ground after the break, which is indicative of the culture Kirk and his staff are building. The club is taking care of players with extensive prehab and rehab programs to avoid serious injuries. The team and staff are gelling well and looking forward to a season where they can step up to the next level.
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