Skinner: I am absolutely happy with the players
Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner remains in determined mood despite a difficult Sunday afternoon for his side at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea in the WSL which leaves us 10 points behind the leaders in the title race.
Hayley Ladd scored United’s only goal of the game and Skinner was left reeling after a penalty call was waved away.
In his pre-match press conference, he spoke about pressure, our performance and his tactics.
Skinner: Our fans were incredible
Marc Skinner delivers his verdict on United Women's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea...
PENALTY CALL WAS A BIG DECISION IN THE GAME
“I think we can address that one straight away. It was a big decision in the game. I have spoken to the referee about the high-pressure contact.
“I still believe that Leah [Galton] has not dived, there is enough contact for a penalty in my opinion.
“You are not going to get anything retrospectively after the game but it’s a big part of the game. If we get that, there is a big chance we would make it 2-2. In the second half we were much better.”
NOTHING AGAINST NIKITA
“We knew with Chelsea’s highline that we would need pace on the wide angles so it was more a decision that Geyse is unpredictable. She is able to hold up the ball, keep the ball and have creativity, and then bring Nikita [Parris] in.
“It’s nothing against Nikita, she has been great. It’s a momentary tactical adaptation. You need to be able to build quick.”
WE ARE STILL A YOUNG TEAM
“We need to continue to invest to get to around where Chelsea are in their depth and cover. I am absolutely happy with the players, I thought they were magnificent, especially second half.
“We have high quality but we need depth. We need competition. We need to continue to invest and that is obviously something that we are keen to do.
“We were brilliant last year and this year we are going to be judged by the same mantle – and we want that.”
Highlights: Chelsea v United Women
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THIS GAME IS ABOUT OPINIONS
“Listen, there's so much in this job that can pull you in or pull you down. If you get a bad report off somebody, they might have a different opinion to what me or you have. It's healthy, this game is about opinions.
“I have no doubt what I am going to achieve with this team. We're going to be focused, we're going to win games, titles, I'm not going to let it drip into my psyche.
“My position here is a leader. My leadership skill is to make sure the players believe in everything the players are doing every single day, it's part and parcel of the job.”