WSL Media Conferences

Impetus had writers in five WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their club-by-club reports of who said what below (21/10/23).

Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

Arsenal

by Arwen Moses

After a shaky start to the season, Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal have regained their momentum in the league following their triumph over Aston Villa last Saturday.  A late flurry of goals courtesy of Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo mean that Eidevall’s team currently sit seventh.

The Gunners face newly promoted Bristol City at Ashton Gate this weekend, looking to go into the international break with back-to-back wins. Lauren Smith’s City, however, are still searching for their first points of the season, following a rocky start to their promotion to the top league.

Throughout the course of this season, Arsenal will expect to play in front of a home crowd at the Emirates at least six times. Whilst widely accepted now, the progression for visibility, attendance, and interest in the women’s game has skyrocketed in recent years. Their most recent fixture was watched by 35,000 in the Emirates, with Arsenal also beating the record attendance for the first fixture of the season.

When reflecting on the rapid changes within the women’s game in England over recent years, Eidevall claimed, “Five years ago, it was one-offs playing at major stadiums, but now it occurs almost every week, it shows the continued development women’s football is having.

I think we have been the leading club in the league, playing most games at the biggest stadiums and drawing great attendances. As a league, everyone needs to be aiming to be doing that.  I’m happy that more and more clubs are following suit, as this is the only way that we can drive the league forward.

“Two seasons ago in our league opener against Chelsea, we had an attendance of 9,000 at the Emirates, It’s hard to believe today. You need to start somewhere. You think how can we put our advertisements out to reach our target groups better and to connect with the fans? What kind of experience can we provide which makes them want to come back?”

Earlier this week, Sarina Wiegman announced her Lionesses squad to face Belgium in the Nations League. Attacker Beth Mead was overlooked for the squad, despite her return to the Arsenal bench for the first time in 11 months due to rupturing her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) against Manchester United at the Emirates.

Whilst disappointed, Eidevall can understand the decision, “It is Sarina’s decision over the England squad, so I’ll never have an opinion on that. I do think that it’s complicating it when speaking from a return to playing-perspective. Beth is now starting to train and play minutes with us, but the reality is that over the international break, we might have three outfield players left for two weeks of training. This is far from ideal for a player like Beth, as she lacks the experience of big-pitch decisions. My hopes were that a player like Beth could have trained with England, even if she wasn’t available for selection. However, that is England’s decision.”

Last season, 43% of the Arsenal squad were seriously injured at some point during the 22/23 season (nine out of 21 players). While research is being undertaken to explore why ACL injuries are so prominent in women’s football, Eidevall reflected on the positive impact that the injuries had on the camaraderie of the playing group.

“The whole of last season, there was a common theme where we all improved with our togetherness, on and off the pitch. Sometimes what adversity does to you as a group will make you stronger, and that is clearly what has happened. We need to grow that even in good conditions, and that will develop strong teams into really strong teams. Hopefully, we can have much less adversity with regards to injuries this season, but continue to grow the togetherness as a team.”

Away from Arsenal, there have been discussions over the standard of teams from the WSL on the international stage, as Marc Skinner’s Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League after a midweek defeat against Paris St. Germain. Questions have been raised about the competitions themselves, and whether it would be beneficial for the women’s structure to mirror the current men’s one.

This would involve introducing a Europa League to accompany the current Champions League. While potentially useful in theory, Eidevall firmly believes that financially and logistically, it raises too many concerns to be viable.

“It would be a really nice opportunity for growth and an opportunity to compete internationally. We have seen that the last two seasons at Arsenal where it’s given us so much. However, when we look at the Champions League from an economic perspective, I don’t think that it is too much of a winning affair for the clubs which are part of that.

“If you can’t get the Champions League to work in a lucrative economic model, why would it work to have a second competition? I think the Champions League for women needs to start by getting their financial model right, and from then on once we have that right, we can start expanding with other competitions. We, as a league, need to understand that is our starting point, our reality. You can’t make it anyone else’s problem when it’s ours as a league.”

The English teams have not been doing well enough in Europe to get enough ranking points to get better ways to play.

“We are ranked fourth in Europe and we can’t say that’s anyone else’s problem apart from our own. We need to increase the quality in the league so that when the English clubs are out playing in Europe, they are winning their games. We live in a world where the teams in other leagues pay much better salaries to their top players. If we want the English league to be the best in the world, we need to have the best players here, and that means we need to be able to pay the best salaries.’

Looking ahead to this weekend’s clash against Bristol City, the Gunners boss was optimistic. “It is what it is with international breaks. It means that the game on Sunday is really important.

“I think when you look at building momentum, we have been playing better and better with every game, with a clear improvement. If we can continue to do that, if we can play well against Bristol City, I’m very optimistic about the game, but it is in our control to do that.”

Aston Villa

by Emily Brown

After their third consecutive loss last weekend at the Emirates, Carla Ward’s Aston Villa look towards this Saturday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur as an opportunity for them to be better and a “must-win for the group.” 

Beginning with some positive news, Ward revealed that Kenza Dali has made it back on to the grass and is ‘on track’ for her return following the international break. If her progression carries on, the Villa boss is certain Dali will be back in time for Villa’s match against Chelsea on Saturday 4th November at the Villains’ Bescot Stadium. Dali is set to begin her integration back into group training during the international break with remaining squad members.

It remains the same that, for this weekend, Kirsty Hanson will serve her final game out from her three-match ban she faced after receiving a red card against former club Manchester United on Villa’s first game of the season. However, young striker Georgia Mullett is back part of the squad following a mild, short-term illness that kept her out last week.

In the wake of concerns after conceding late goals in both their previous matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, following analysis, Ward believes she and the team know why this has happened and further believes that they “have an understanding of key elements that have played it’s part” in this eventuality. She describes their last match as “disappointing” and “heartbreak” for her side.

After three consecutive defeats, is Ward feeling any pressure? It seems unlikely. The reality for Villa is that they have had to compete against top-level teams in quick succession. Villa’s boss believes that their defeats, particularly against United and Arsenal. However, this has put Villa “in good stead” and Ward is certain there are a lot of positives to be taken from all three games so far. 

“The girls were sensational and if we can take that into this weekend then we can put ourselves into a good position.”

In terms of this Saturday, Villa’s game against Spurs is not necessarily a “must-win” in general, but a “must-win for the group.” The reality regarding pressure for Ward and her team is that the only pressure they feel is that of which they put on themselves “to continue to improve every time”, focussing on what they can focus on, with Ward explaining that her team will prepare in the same way whether they’re “winning games or losing games.”

“Out of possession in all three games we’ve shown a lot of quality, defended the box really well… I think this week it has to be about us and what we do with the ball.”

Ward recognises that Spurs so far, under their new manager Robert Vilahamn, have “got off to a good start” and will be a team that will be “knocking on the door of the top six.” They will certainly be a ‘tough opposition’ this weekend. In order to combat their threat, Villa will have to focus on the impact they need to have on the ball rather than off it. She and her team will also look to exploit Spurs in places where they lack due to them possessing a lot of ‘firepower’ and aggression that simultaneously leaves them vulnerable in other areas.

“I’m a big believer in, and I fully back, what we’re doing to go in at Christmas in a similar position as last year.” When looking into the near future, Ward concurs that before Christmas Villa have “six games coming up that arguably we can get points from.” Last Christmas they went in with 11 points and Ward has faith in the fact that Villa can get into this position again this year. Their first win of the season would definitely spur the team on to achieve this goal.

Finally, on playing back at Bescot Stadium this weekend – which is something Ward loves and hopes in the near future to fill out – she is certain and has “absolutely no doubt that this weekend” the fans “will play their part.” Ward describes the team as having a “special connection” with fans this year, which is proven by the fact Villa had nearly 800 join them at the Emirates. 

Already the supporters have played a massive part and with the team looking forward to playing back at their home stadium this weekend, will they encourage the team enough in order to gain their first win of the season?

Brighton and Hove Albion

by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt

Brighton and Hove Albion currently sit tenth in the WSL after winning one of their opening three games and will face joint-leaders Chelsea at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

Seagulls boss Mel Phillips began with updates on availability. Elisabeth Terland picked up a knock last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur and was subsequently subbed off for Madison Haley at halftime. Phillips confirmed that Terland has had “modified sessions” in training and “hopefully she’ll be available for the weekend.” She has been a crucial part of this Brighton squad since making her move to the English South Coast in 2022.

Phillips also commented on Haley, she is “growing in match fitness” following a rehab stint and is slowly building up her minutes. Haley is described as “certainly an exciting player” by her coach and will give the Seagulls a different approach to moving further up the pitch. Once fully fit, she should be able to succeed in this Brighton side.

Phillips emphasised how her team is “most disappointed in the nature in which we conceded goals” and that her and the squad “expect more from themselves, especially in the two games we dropped.”

With Brighton’s next four games after the international break being against WSL giants, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, the Seagulls boss called on her team to be “competitive” but emphasised there is still “lots to be proud of and lots to grow on” according to Phillips that the focus is on “building momentum” to compete at the highest level.

The ambition of the club isn’t secret, with constant steps being made both on the pitch and behind the scenes to fulfil that ambition. Councillors in Brighton and Hove are actively looking at the thought of buying an area of land for the Seagulls Women to call home. Brighton currently play just over 20 miles north of the city at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium. Phillips and the squad are excited about the thought of bringing the women’s side closer to Brighton and that it’s “a positive to hear that we have the council’s backing.”

These are exciting times to be a Seagulls fan, with all these developments surrounding the club. The game against Chelsea will be a hard-fought battle for Brighton in a difficult upcoming run separated by the international break.

Everton

By Beth McCowen

This Sunday, Everton will face Manchester United at Walton Hall Park. Head coach Brian Sorenson previewed his side’s next Women’s Super League fixture in a pre-match press conference.

Sorenson appears confident in his squad going into this game, off the back of finally securing their first three points of the season against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. He confirmed that, unfortunately, Lucy Hope has indeed suffered a “severe” ankle injury. The manager detailed that no surgery will be needed, but they are looking at around six to eight weeks out for the Scottish national.

In more positive news, Sorenson revealed that forward Martina Piemonte, if all goes well, should be available to play this weekend after missing the Merseyside derby with a knee injury.

Sorenson expressed that he was, overall, pleased with how his team played and dominated against Liverpool last weekend. He said that there were only about five minutes where his side were not in control of the game before managing to regain control, and that they “know why” this happened.

Despite only picking up points for the first time this season at Anfield, Everton also held their own against Manchester City earlier in the season, and whilst they didn’t get the points, they did stop the title contenders from keeping a clean sheet. Coupled with their Merseyside derby victory, this instils hope in the strength of Sorenson’s club going forward.

When asked about Clare Wheeler, Sorenson praised the midfielder as an “important” player following the departure of key player Gabby George from the club. In discussing Everton’s captain Megan Finnigan, the head coach explained that the English player, like her teammates, “had a really good game” at Anfield. He also explained the significance of Finnigan’s ability to remain “calm and composed” whilst “leading from the back.”

Sorenson described the upcoming fixture against Manchester United as one that will be a “tough game” but showed optimism that the Blues are “back on track” after their shaky start to the season. He also highlighted the importance of starting quick and strong against Marc Skinner’s strong United team, and expressed an awareness that whilst the opposition might be “mentally tired” after their exit from the Champions League on Wednesday, they are also likely to remain “motivated.”

Further, when asked about Manchester United’s performance against Paris St. Germain on Wednesday, he explained that his focus remains on the fact that they will have “everybody in contention” to play against Everton, but declared that his team “feel prepared” and confident that “we can contain them.” When asked about the importance of delivering a good performance in front of a home crowd, Sorenson stated that “we owe them one.”

Regarding Leicester’s strong performances thus far, Sorenson expressed that the WSL is a “more competitive league.” This means as the Everton boss put it, “it doesn’t matter if (the match is) home or away”.

Tottenham Hotspur

by Rachel Cohen

In his Friday afternoon press conference Robert Vilahamn looked forward to the game at Aston Villa, Vilahamn emphasised how tough it was likely to be, “one of the toughest away games” and that it would be a “good test to see if we can actually compete against them.”

It would be a good tactical battle he suggested, because both teams will want the ball and will seek to attack so “hopefully it becomes that kind of game where you have a battle about who’s going to dictate it and if you dictate it, you’re going to have space to break through the lines and score goals. And if you lose it, it’s not so fun, but I want to have those games, because at those are the most fun.” 

Spurs under Vilahamn have been playing possession football this season but the manager admitted that this has been an achievement because when he first arrived at Spurs from Sweden the “passing was not so good.” “The first friendly game: we lost against Reading and it was not a good game.”

Vilahamn therefore initially focused on a return to the basics: “I think when you work with players, you need to work every day on training, easy passes, and first touches, and then you need to work with self-confidence and then you need to work with movement.”

He noted that this was now paying off. “If you look at the training now and how we play the possession and the passing is, it’s so high quality. And I must say in eight weeks to see that, that’s really impressive. And I think these players can, you know, they can be so good and if they are just continuing to develop and play this way, you’re going to see even more passes and even more accuracy in the game as well, because we are playing some really good football.”

Most watchers of Spurs’ first games this season have noticed the importance of their central midfield Finnish pairing of Eveliina Summanen and Olga Ahtinen. Vilahamn confessed, however, that although both have featured for their national team he had not seen them play together until they came to Spurs.

“You think they are two brilliant footballers. But it’s like tactics are absolutely important, but for me, the relations on the field are even more important because that’s when you actually find the details that I cannot teach them. And I think people that like each other or can communicate in a good way can play easier with each other… so, I’m very happy about that and I hope that they can just develop through that because they communicate a lot on the pitch and I think that’s a good thing for us.”

Grace Clinton, at Spurs on loan from Manchester United, got her first call-up to the senior England Squad at age 21. Clinton has started the first three WSL games and Vilahamn has praised her previously. Today he emphasised her work ethic, that “from day one she’s worked so hard and is open to learn.” He also commented on what the call-up meant for Spurs: that this is “proof that we can develop young players and make them be really good for this country.”

Another young player who has had an international call-up this week is Norwegian winger, Celin Bizet, who had previously dropped out of her country’s World Cup squad. Vilahamn revealed that he’s been following her career since she was at PSG and described Bizet as “really fun to work with.” And “one of those players who can bring the Tottenham football to this ground.”

Continuing the theme of developing young players Vilahamn outlined what he has been doing to support the development of Jessica Naz, a player who has been at Spurs since 2018, and who has struggled for fitness at times, but who has looked a player-reborn this season when she has come on as a substitute.

“She’s one of those players. I was really impressed with when I looked at their games last year, but it was more like a glimpse of it, every game was a few minutes and she was struggling with injuries and she didn’t really play 90 minutes. And when I came here, a lot of people told me that she’s not really handling 90 minutes; her body is not working for that, but she has exceptional talent. So for me it was like, ‘Okay, let’s see how we rebuild her.’ So, in the beginning of preseason, I played her a lot as a nine and as a winger and made sure she improved with her conditioning.

“Now, when we have Martha Thomas, then she ended up on the bench anyway. But I think that’s been good for her because now she can be playing 30 or 40 minutes and really improve. And then she had a really good game in the Conti Cup and now, I mean she is knocking on the door to start the games for me and I think in the long run she will and I think she will be a huge star in this league because the speed she has, not too many have.”

On the topic of Thomas, currently on four goals in four games, he was effusive, suggesting she was not only potentially “one of the absolute strikers in the league” but also someone who is “so good in training and as a character and giving the other players some instructions as well” and one of the senior players who has supported Clinton’s development this season.

Repeatedly during the press conference Vilahamn noted that despite the good start to the season there would be a point at which Spurs would lose games. But he rejected the idea of “chasing the win” because that would limit his team’s ability to develop.

Vilahamn also remained confident that even as expectations rose and more other teams paid attention to Spurs they would not do anything different.

“I want to get to the point where they see how we play and they just can’t handle it. I don’t want to adapt my way of playing because they (the opponents) are good or not. I’m going to make sure we start developing and if we lose a few games through that, we’re going to do that because we’re going to learn every time we lose as well. So for me, it’s even if people are taking us more seriously, we’re gonna keep going.”

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