Amy West says the extended break has served Aston Villa Women well, as the team look to pick up their first points of the season on Saturday.
Villa face Everton at Banks’s Stadium having lost their opening two games to Manchester City and Reading, respectively.
But the message throughout the team is the same: Stay positive, stay the course, and the results will come.
“Despite not having a fixture (since September 13th), a surge in intensity and competitiveness has been really evident in training” said West.
“We’re really looking forward to getting going again against Everton this weekend.”
The 23-year-old admits the extra time off has been beneficial in terms of reflecting on those two defeats, as well as focusing on areas in which the group can improve going into the next round of fixtures.
“Obviously it’s good to have that time to look back and reflect on how we’re performing across all areas” said the midfielder.
“We had some really positive discussions around our performances both in pre-season, and our first two games of the campaign and we’re certain that we’ll be picking up points in no time.”
Despite going into Saturday with renewed focus and energy, West knows herself and the rest of the squad aren’t to take their eyes off the qualities of the opposition.
Everton have won both league fixtures this season, without conceding a goal, and have booked their place in the FA Cup Final over the last few days as well.
“Everton have managed to establish themselves as a competitive Women’s Super League side” West praised.
“We’re expecting a challenging fixture.
“But it’s one we have prepared really well for and can go into with confidence.”
Meanwhile, West is aiming to claim a starting berth after coming off the bench in each of the opening two WSL fixtures.
“It’s clear that there’s an abundance of talent in the squad” she said, when discussing the recent additions in the middle of the pitch.
“With that brings huge competition for places across all areas of the pitch.
“Obviously every player wants to be in that starting XI.
“I’m using the full-time environment to challenge myself every day to be the best player I can be.
“Then, I can only hope chances will come and I’ll be more than ready to take them.”
