Impetus had writers in six WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their club-by-club reports of who said what is below (3/11/23).
Arsenal
By Aimee Logan
Jonas Eidevell explained to the media that the squad is fully fit ahead of a testing fixture against Manchester City at Meadow Park on Sunday.
Ahead of the fixture against Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal manager, Eidevell, outlined how his team is shaping up ready for an important match in the title race. Despite an intense international window, with some of the squad playing multiple games in the space of a few days, the whole of the team is fit and prepared to play the testing fixture.
With over half of the players out on international break in the last week, the Gunners’ head coach suggested that tomorrow, a day before matchday, will be the first time that the full squad is out on the training pitch. Some players were only back in North London earlier today and haven’t yet been seen on the field. However, Eidevell noted how the squad were in a “similar position” as a large proportion of their players also represented their country in Nations League fixtures.
Upon the comeback of two of the five players who had an ACL injury last season, there are plenty of options for the Arsenal manager, significantly in the attacking positions. Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema played their first minutes this season in games prior to the international window and are still not fully ready to be on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. New summer signing, Alessia Russo has been on top form for the club since her signing but also players like Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe both performed incredibly for their country, both scoring hattricks over the period.
The Irish captain, McCabe has noticeably “stepped up” in the past seasons and Eidevell was quick to identify that she is a “quality player” who is in the “peak eight years” of her career. McCabe is also well known for her versatility on the left flank, and she is always playing in a ‘number of different positions’ at both club and international levels, Eidevell explains. Her “tremendously good left foot” is something that he wants to ensure stays a part of the Arsenal build-up, significantly, as she’s consistently impressing every time she’s on the pitch.
In recent weeks, there has been more attention to mental health awareness in the sporting world. Head coach Eidevell was sure that mental health is a “huge part of the game and everyday life” so increasing the number of “role models from the very top”, creates more representation of how mental health impacts those in the public eye.
The Arsenal Women’s squad has recently been subject to backlash off the back of their squad photo for the 23/24 season, where not one member of the team is a part of a black or ethnic community. Arsenal is “proud of our community” in North London and Eidevell noted how the “men’s and women’s team have a proud history of players from diverse backgrounds”. Women’s football has a diversity problem where there is a need for more support in diverse communities so they can professionally develop to play the sport.
Different from previous seasons, Arsenal are playing many of their home fixtures in the Emirates Stadium where an increasing number of fans can have access to attending. The Arsenal boss hopes that “more and more league games” will be added each year until eventually all their fixtures can be played in the Emirates. The tickets for the fixture against Manchester City on Sunday sold out within hours of being listed hinting that the team have ultimately outgrown the Meadow Park ground.
Recently, Brighton and Hove Albion announced that a stadium is being built for the women’s team. Eidevell questioned the idea as the women’s game is in a “difficult but exciting time”. The popularity of the sport has increased in the past few years, and he stated how it is “super important to grow the game” but committing to building a whole new ground “depends on the club”. “Ability to sell out stadiums is a big component in football’ and Eidevell explained how in five years from now, Arsenal could be even bigger and need a stadium, the size of the Emirates, for their own.
The rotation of the squad was also questioned as the number one goalkeeper position is still under debate. Along with this, I asked Eidevall about his plans for younger squad members, including summer signing Kyra Cooney-Cross. His reply was the “different run in” of the new signings, and emphasised the significance of training on a daily basis that greatly impacts his decision making.
Eidevell finished stating how he was “looking forward to seeing the players play ” on the weekend as he looks to win the full three points that will massively impact their position in the WSL table. This season he knows that the team “don’t want to be depending on margins” and winning important fixtures will mean they can avoid this.
Aston Villa
By Emily Brown
Aston Villa manager Carla Ward “looks forward” to playing against Emma Hayes’ Chelsea despite Villa’s disappointing start to the season and them never having gained a point against the Blues.
Although feisty winger Kirsty Hanson will make her return this Saturday, Villa will miss Lucy Parker in their back line of defence. After picking up an ankle injury in England camp over the international break, Villa have confirmed that the 24-year-old “definitely won’t be available for this weekend.”
There remains a cloud of doubt over the return of Kenza Dali following the ongoing injury that has kept her out of the team so far this season. It was settled before the break that the pivotal forward was back on the grass, but Ward is “still unsure if she’ll be available this weekend”.
Regardless, it is known for certain that the 32-year-old is “closing down on a return”. When Dali does eventually come back into the squad it will be vital as Ward looks ahead to what she believes are “some really big games coming up” this month in which Dali will be most impactful. “Whether this weekend will be too soon we’re not sure, but we’ll make that decision within the next couple of days” Ward explains.
However, the impact of Hanson’s comeback this Saturday is suspected to be “massive” for the squad: “The impact she had with us last season was huge, as it was with Kenza, so there’s been big misses with us of course but having her back this weekend will be big, it will certainly lift the group, it will lift the fans, it will lift everything we are trying to do and hopefully give us a little bit of joy.”
Of course, this kind of impact is much needed after Villa have failed to secure a single win so far this season and is yet to gain a point against Chelsea across the 10 total matches, they have played against the West London side.
The last match-up between the two sides was the FA Cup semi-final which left Villa disappointed with the score ending 1-0 to Chelsea. However, the Midland side can take a lot of confidence from their previous performance against the Blues as Ward deems it as “by far” one of Villa’s greatest performances.
“We’ll look forward to it, we always look forward to playing the big tides and there’s no one bigger, let’s be honest, than Chelsea. Arguably they’ve got the best forward line in world football…. yes, they’ve conceded opportunities, yes, they’ve conceded goals…it’s something we’ve had a look at.”
Something we are yet to know is whether the Australian star and avid goal-scorer, Sam Kerr, will be available for this weekend. Questions are being raised over whether she will be fit to play following the long-haul flight she will have had to endure traveling back to the UK from Western Australia.
As many already know, Ward has a special relationship with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes as the Blues’ boss mentored Ward throughout her journey to becoming a WSL manager. Ward commends Hayes and states that “she’s been unbelievable” in mentoring her. She is “arguably one of the best (managers) in the world” according to Ward and this shows in Chelsea’s performance of only losing five games in five years.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend and I always look forward to facing her on the side-line that’s for sure” Ward expresses. The Villans’ manager describes the Chelsea side as “mentality monsters” who have an “abundance of world-class talent”. She mentions the outcomes of their previous fixtures against them but remains undeterred, aiming to change fate and gain their first point against Chelsea this time around.
If this were to happen it would build Villa’s confidence and kick their season off right. It’s crucial that morale remains as high as Ward describes it and that the team remains in as good of spirits.
“We have a lot of opportunities to get some points on the board and that’s what we’ve got to focus on… I believe we’re in a good place regardless of four defeats, we’re in a good place as a group and that’s important. We know what we’ve got to do, we’ve got to go out there and try and get points and I believe we’ll do that in November.”
After previously saying that the international break was coming at the wrong time for Villa, Ward has since changed her mind: “On reflection, it’s been a good and positive break … and we’ll be ready to go again that’s for sure. The reality is that this is a massive month so probably the right time for a break just to take a step back.”
After all, Villa still have an opportunity to make back their form from last year. They remain “on track” for what they want and to match last year’s 12 points going into Christmas, if not do “better.” Ward explains they similarly had “a pretty poor October” last year and with Villa still in a good position they just need look to “continue the work” that they have done over the last couple of years.
Finally, Ward is confident that the Villans will be ready to tackle this weekend. With the team coming back from the “valuable 10 days” and the “opportunity to reassess and regroup” over the international break she believes that all her side must do going forward is continue their work and “focus” on what they can control.
It will be “really important” Ward expresses, that Villa “go out there with the mentality that we want to go and try and win the game.” With the hurt caused by Villa’s opening four games, Ward has “absolutely no doubt” in her mind that “we’ll see a reaction from this group this weekend.”
“We know what we’ll be up against but, like I said, there’s a good atmosphere within the group at the minute. I think everyone wants to get back out there and show that what we are capable of” Ward remarks, faith remaining strong.
Brighton and Hove Albion
By Ava-Marianne Elliot
Brighton and Hove Albion are ready to face new challenges and see improvement when they take on Marc Skinner’s Manchester United this weekend.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Head coach Melissa Phillips, alongside summer signing Maria Thorisdóttir discussed her side’s intentions. Phillips began by discussing her side’s availability. She reported that “everyone is in good shape” after the international window and are “ready” leading into what will be a challenging fixture for her team. When asked about selection, she further commented that elements such as jet lag from the players who were further across the globe may affect her selection.
Regarding the team’s recent performances, Phillips also noted that she was “disappointed” with the results they had seen losing three in four matches. She expressed that the team was “growing slowly” and will further focus on working on “managing the game better under pressure” as they prepare to face United, with the bigger picture of playing Manchester City and Arsenal in their next two fixtures.
During Brighton’s opening game of the season against Everton, the Seagulls’ forward Elisabeth Terland scored two goals in quick succession. The side often “started their games quickly” and therefore Phillips explained how they needed to look at not “conceding in critical points of the game”.
With such a difficult fixture ahead, the Brighton head coach explained that going into their game against United, she has “a good team at hand”. Their opponents’ start to the season means that the likes of experienced players, such as the likes of captain Vicky Losada, will be key.
Phillips further commented that there were a lot of aspects that would contribute to her side holding their own on Sunday. There needs to be “week in week out growth to continue to build leadership across the group”, and that there were many factors that could give her side a shot at defeating the Red Devils. With the spotlight on the team after the recent news of the proposals for them to receive the first stadium purpose-built for women’s sports in England, the side has big ambitions.
Thorisdóttir also commented on her team’s readiness to face their opponents on Sunday, alongside how the team has a “very positive future”. After signing for Brighton from Manchester United in the summer, the defender noted that they “can give United a shot” and the team need to “keep building and grow together as a team”.
With a lot of developments being made, the Seagulls are looking to obtain the three points this weekend to move further up the WSL table.
Chelsea
By Hannah Chadwick
After four wins and a draw, Emma Hayes’ team sets her eyes upon a hungry Aston Villa who are looking to pick up their first points in Saturday’s game.
Hayes appears confident after her 4-2 win over Brighton Hove & Albion before the international break. However, due to the number of countries around the world that her squad have been on international duty in, the Blues have only had one session to prepare but the side are ready but with remain “vigilant” and “mindful.” Hayes also spoke about how they need to “maintain standards…winning every game and execute the game plan.”
When asked about Villa, Hayes spoke highly of Carla Ward’s side. “They have got key players back and it will be an aggressive performance and Aston Villa will be aggressive going forward.” The Chelsea head coach also mentioned that she “much prefers to be playing Aston Villa when they have points on the board.” So Chelsea fans can be prepared for a physically challenging game.
When asked about the schedule and the season she said that her team “haven’t had much rhythm and it was too early to make an assessment as to how the season will plan out and that she can’t control the schedule and that she would rather play multiple games a week as that is what her players are used to “I just deal with the schedule.”
Hayes also revealed that the Blues could be without German midfielder Melanie Leupolz who is waiting for an assessment to see if she is fit to play before tomorrow’s game. There could also be a return for Guro Reiten who has not featured since their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, she is also awaiting a fitness test.
Chelsea is once again without Katerina Svitkova who came to the club fit after her signing from West Ham United in 2022 but had some issues and then developed a knee injury which she then had a setback with. She is currently working alongside the club’s doctors but could need surgery. Hayes has given a return guideline for this side of January if she does not need surgery.
One of the Blues’ less heralded players, Wales star Sophie Ingle was also recognised by Hayes during her media conference today, saying: “She is superb talent…a leader that has played in some of the biggest games, an influence on the players in the squad, she makes up the DNA of the club and that she deserves the recognition that she has.”
Manchester United
By Aimee Reynolds
Manchester United will be travelling down south to go up against Mel Phillips’ Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend. Skinner’s side currently sit fourth in the table after a comfortable 5-0 win at Everton before the international window.
Before the break, Manchester United’s squad got hit with a sickness bug that left multiple players out of the away game against Everton at Walton Hall Park. Speaking to the media today Skinner has announced that everyone who caught the bug is now healthy and ready to go again. However, Spanish midfielder Irene Guerrero has taken a slight knock on her MCL which was addressed as only a slight tweak but she will be out for the next few weeks.
There have been multiple queries over midfielder Ella Toone as he is approaching a year without her scoring or assisting a goal for the club. Skinner stated that he’s not worried and sees far more in the Lioness’ game than those two facets.
Skinner mentioned that in the next couple of weeks, there may be some keeper rotation potentially giving Mary Earps a break. The England goalkeeper has recently placed fifth in the Ballon d’Or Feminin which was the highest for a goalkeeper – “To finish that high in a voting system shows her consistency and I think that’s the key to Mary. Her consistency on and off the field has been wonderful.”
The United boss went on to emphasise the potential banana skin that this fixture could pose for his team. “We played there last year, and as you know scored late to secure the game. We then played Brighton at home when Mel (Phillips) came in and that was a tight fixture.”
Finally United currently have three ACL’s throughout the squad. One of them being Gabby George: From her socials, we saw that the 26-year-old seems much more upbeat and positive after recently having her operation and is working hard to get back on the pitch.
“Look, I think it’s one of those where the first couple of weeks when she found out and was waiting for the operation to reset, I think you kind of don’t know your timeline, and once she has done that we’ve spoken about treating it like a resilient moment that you can learn from and there’s nothing you can do now except recover. So I’m going to treat her as an individual and give her some time off to go away with family as well to ensure she’s also refreshed mentally.”
Tottenham Hotspur
By Ajman Abdi
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn highlighted that this weekend’s game with Everton, as being “not an easy game but a game we can win”.
Going into the encounter, Tottenham sit third on the table with Everton at tenth place. Therefore, its no surprise that Spurs are feeling confident and ready by “keeping up the momentum after the win.”
The media conference began with the news that Beth England is back in training – albeit not available for match day just yet. Another player that Vilahamn mentioned was Ellie Brazil who he stated is being positive post-injury, and is also back on the training pitch.
The Spurs manager was positive that his team can build on their strong start to the season. He stated that people rightfully expect them to play good football on Sunday and win the game against Everton especially at home.
With England potentially available for selection again soon, Vilahamn was asked how he would choose between Marta Thomas and the Lionesses attacker as a starting nine on the squad. Thomas has had an incredible start this season, already having scored six goals. Could she and England play alongside each other when back with full fitness?
“Both of them are nines so they will compete for that position. But I will have a plan for them to play together. Good players can play together and I’m looking for a way to do that.” Vilahamn revealed.
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