Skinner hopes to build momentum against Leicester
Marc Skinner wants his players to ‘find the intensity’ they had against Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Super League this weekend.
The Reds will take on Leicester City at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday with the Foxes already winning their three opening games in all competitions.
After two draws in a row for Skinner’s side, he is ready to get three points in the league.
Skinner spoke to the press on Friday morning ahead of the game.
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“The reality is that if we can get to the speed we played at in the second half [against PSG], and the quality of the ball that we had, then I don’t think many teams could beat us,” said Marc.
“I think it’s about getting to the level and that standard in every game. If we do that, and no disrespect to Leicester because they have won all their games, then I don’t think any team can live with us. I am going to be referencing performance and getting to that speed, that intensity.
“If we can do that then Leicester will have a very tough afternoon against us. Every week, I talk about the respect I have for the opponent and we will plan to how we can move them around and defend against them.”
LEICESTER HAVE MADE A BRIGHT START
“They have started really well, it seems like a different Leicester this season,” said Skinner. “The game kicks out codes, there are little patterns of play in the psychology of how players are performing. When they are playing with high confidence there is no fear.
“They are much more attacking and that shows confidence and I can already see that in their performances. We know that Willie [Kirk] likes to come and attack, that’s his style, and that will help us find the spaces to attack. We want to win three points.”
THE LATEST INJURY NEWS
“Geyse was fine,” reported the boss. “It was more a precaution that she did not start against PSG. I think she had a one out of 10 pain [she picked up a dead leg against Arsenal] but I did not think it was right to play her for the full game. She will be ready for selection.
“She did not train yesterday but she will train today and tomorrow and be ready for Sunday. We only really have Aoife Mannion and Emma Watson unavailable for this game. Everybody else is in contention.”
“Irene took a knock in training so she wasn’t in contention for the Arsenal game and she was back on the bench against PSG.
“From that perspective, it’s about getting the right balance of when to put her into a game. She is learning our style a little bit – we play differently to Atletico Madrid.
“Her quality in training is clear for everybody to see but there is also four to five parts to the game and we are trying to teach her the defensive attributes you need to play in this league.
“We are built on a solid foundation to attack and if you don’t know that yet because you haven’t had time then we are teaching that. It’s the same with Gemma Evans.
“She has gone from a team in Reading who did not have a lot of possession to a team that had the best possession stats last year.”
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TICKETS
Another big crowd is expected at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, but you can still secure your seat by visiting the ticketing page.