Impetus’ Aimee-Lou Caldecourt and Camilia Lane attended the media conferences of Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. Their reflections on the discussion points that arose (30/9/23).
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion’s Vicky Losada, who joined head coach Mel Phillips to speak to the media yesterday. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brighton and Hove Albion
by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt
Brighton and Hove Albion open their WSL campaign away to Everton on Sunday. Newly appointed club captain Vicky Losada sat alongside manager Mel Phillips to address the media ahead of the opener at Walton Hall Park.
When Phillips was asked about the summer window and all the new incomings, she said that she’s “rebuilt the squad” and that “it’s just phase one” of the project the board aspires to fulfil. With the “clear ambition to be a top-four side”, Brighton fans should be very excited about the season ahead. She believes that Brighton are “taking the underdog mentality” in the upcoming season.
There was no report of any injury concerns or doubts for the weekend fixture, giving Phillips plenty to choose from after a whopping eleven incomings, including one of Colombia’s World Cup standouts Jorelyn Carabalí, and the trio of Sydney FC stars, Madison Haley, Mackenzie Hawkesby and Charlize Rule.
Losada, who will play in this league for a third different team, was named club captain on September 23rd but she believes that her “role was never going to change, wearing the armband or not.” Through her heaps of experience all over the world, she was always going to be an influential figure in this youthful side. When questioned about her choice to sign for the south coast side, she said when she “met Mel, the project excited me.”
On the back of the World Cup Final, Losada was asked if she had been in contact with any of the Spanish girls and what her thoughts on the aftermath of the tournament were. She said that: “I haven’t been in contact with the girls” and that “it’s a shame” that such a joyous moment was ruined by the act, she went on to thank everyone internationally for their support and solidarity.
Losada reflected on how “football keeps developing” and so the younger girls are teaching her as well despite all her experiences, as the game has changed in her career, as she is about to embark on her 17th season.
In the previous ten meetings between the two sides, Everton have won thrice, as have Brighton, resulting in four draws. In the previous meeting, Everton took the three points in added time. The fixture is bound to be a highly entertaining affair.
Tottenham Hotspur
by Camilia Lane
Tottenham Hotspur kick off the new WSL campaign with a London derby against a strong Chelsea team at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Robert Vilahamn, appointed head coach in July after leaving BK Häcken, spoke to the media about his aims for the campaign ahead.
Vilahamn outlined how he is ready to take on and enjoy the new challenge and develop his side after a hugely disappointing 2022/23 season where Tottenham battled relegated before finishing in ninth place.
The Swede promised that he wants his team to play in “the Tottenham” style, initiating that fans will see a new Tottenham side this season. He also looked ahead to the longer term development of his team, with his season feeling like he is starting from the bottom and working his way up, wanting to place higher on the table than last season and focusing on improving performance levels. With that achieved, Vilahamn outlined that he wants to be competing for a Champions League spot.
One player that will be missing on the weekend is Bethany England. After making her move to Tottenham last January, the Lionesses star made an instant impact on this Tottenham team. In the short time she has been at the club, she has already scored 13 goals and has recently been named captain. England will miss the opening game due to surgery on her hip after the World Cup.
When asked about how he thinks Sunday’s game will go, Vilahamn admitted that his team will not be able to dictate the whole 90 minutes but can press and try to win the ball high on the pitch. Defending is going to be key for the Spurs side.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
impetusfootball.org 