Carla Ward spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Liverpool v Aston Villa in the Barclays Women's Super League.
The women's team manager spoke about the reaction from her group after matchday one heartbreak, Liverpool's impressive start and the latest team news.
Here’s what she had to say…
On Liverpool...
“I don’t think [Matt] Beardy quite got the credit he deserved and deserves. He’s done a really good job with them and if you look at their run, they were in a good vein of form towards the end of last season. They picked up some big results and they’ve started this season with that massive win at the Emirates [Stadium]. They’re going to be a very good side. Beardy’s a top coach and a top man. He’ll have them playing the right way, it’s going to be tough. We’re under no illusions. That message has been loud and clear to everybody.”
On their defence...
“I don’t think it was a fluke that they beat Arsenal. They deserved it over the course of 90 [minutes] in the way that they set up. Sometimes you deserve to win games simply by the way you nullify the opposition’s strengths, and they did that. They’re solid at the back and it’s something we’ll have to be patient with in the final third. They pose threats all over the pitch. Arsenal are an unbelievable side that will push for the title. The game plan might change because they might fancy having a go at us. We’ll be expecting a bit of both.”
On the reaction within the group...
“Good. The girls have been really good, the reaction’s been good. Thankfully, WSL games come thick and fast so it’s an opportunity. There was a massive part of last week that we were really happy with. When it was 11 v 11 I can’t say Manchester United broke us down too many times. It’s got to be the same attitude and the same mindset, and take the positives from last week into this week.”
On team news...
“It’s probably too soon for Kenz [Dali]. She’s going to be back running this week. The sooner we get her back the better, everyone knows her quality. Maz Pacheco sadly had a couple of weeks out being unwell. She’s been back in training and has been excellent in training. Now it’s about getting her physically up to speed and ready because two weeks out is not easy. It’s good to have her back on the training pitch as lively as she always is.”
