by Aimee Logan (09/05/24)
Above: Robert Vilahamn speaks to the media today ahead of the FA Cup Final. Image: Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn admits that his team are underdogs for Sunday’s FA Cup Final, but believes they are more than capable of lifting their first piece of silverware at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
In the WSL this season, Spurs have not beaten United but have come close. In their away fixture, they held a 2-1 lead throughout the second half until Maya Le Tissier’s header in extra time secured United a share of the points.
Since then, Tottenham have taken a singular point in every WSL fixture. Earlier in the season, it was the ‘Red Devils’ that were dominant in a 4-0 win over the ‘Lilywhites’ suggesting that Marc Skinner’s team could be the more confident going into the Final on Sunday.
Spurs had home support behind them for the semi-final, where despite Leicester City’s early lead, an 83rd-minute strike from Jessica Naz, and the deciding extra-time goal from ex-Manchester United player Martha Thomas sent the North London side to Wembley for the first time.
The North Londoners have faced tough opponents to reach this stage of the competition, notably, league leaders Manchester City in the Quarter Finals who were overcome in a penalty shootout.
This WSL season has taught fans to expect the unexpected and after the North London side faced a relegation battle last season, Vilahamn has transformed them after coming in, with his side now on the brink of a first major trophy at a sell-out Wembley.
Grace Clinton has arguably been one of Spurs’ best players this season. She joined in the summer on a loan deal from United meaning that she is not eligible to play in the Final. Vilahamn though believes that Matilda Vinberg is more than capable of stepping up, saying that “she was ”one of the best players” explaining he had ”no doubt” that she can perform in the role – ”I think she’s one of the best players we’ve had (this season).”
Looking ahead to the Wembley showpiece more widely, the Spurs boss admitted: “They are the favourites.” Even though his side ”have a good chance to win,” he reflected that United have the advantage of their second successive Final: ”They are going to be a little bit more prepared” because of this,” he felt.
For many fixtures, Spurs have had a late impact on the game and reflected that this was due to the ”strength in the character of our players.” However, in a game like the FA Cup Final, he confirmed how his team has to be on the front foot from the first whistle: “It’s about how we can make better choices at the start of the game…it’s much more difficult to play when your one nil down rather than one nil up!”
Bethany England, the Spurs captain, has been clinical in recent weeks, as well as offering real flexibility to the squad across the front third – this combination of reasons have been key to the team making it to the final.
“We need goals and she has scored in a few games in a row now…she can also perform in different roles, on the wing and as the nine.” The Spurs head coach has faith that his captain “can score even more goals in a game”, something that would for sure lead the North London side to victory.
On a lighter note, Vilahamn spoke on his new passion for yoga on a matchday, ”I’m the one loving it the most!” He explained how it has ”helped me make the right choices… don’t panic too much and stay calm… it helps me be a good coach and a good leader.” It’s clear this attribute will be vital at Wembley.
Finally, Tottenham’s head coach reflected on the impact of having a new team lifting the major trophy. ”(It will be) good for this country to get more teams that can compete for trophies.”
He recogniss the impact that this can have in bringing more fans to Spurs home games on a consistent basis. An FA Cup win will help the work that Tottenham have already done to become ”one club” and share the fans between both the men and women teams – “we have Tottenham fans, not women and men fans,” Vilahamn explained.
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