Skinner: There's a real collective spirit in Malta
Marc Skinner is looking forward to the challenge PSV Eindhoven will bring when Manchester United Women face the Dutch side in Malta on Friday evening.
The Reds travelled to the Mediterranean island on Wednesday for a winter training camp ahead of the second half of the season. It will be a busy January when the team returns to England, with a home tie against Newcastle United in the Adobe FA Cup coming first on Sunday 14 January.
Ahead of the friendly against PSV - a game which will be shown live on MUTV - Skinner joined his opposite number Roeland ten Berge in speaking to the media. You can read Marc's main points below.
Press conference: United Women v PSV Eindhoven
Press conference | Marc Skinner and his counterpart Roeland ten Berge preview Friday's friendly in Malta...
ON COMING BACK TO MALTA
"I thought it was a key factor in our success in the second part of last season. For us, it’s not just the weather, the facilities are excellent.
"This camp allows us to get together after the winter break and it’s something that we are very privileged to be part of. I am using it to get ourselves together ahead of what is going to be a big second half of the season.
"There is something special about the island. There is a real collective spirit about the island. This is just perfect weather for us. It’s a fantastic place."
ON THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
"We need to improve. We find ourselves seven points behind [WSL leaders Chelsea]. Camps like this can really invigorate the players and help them feel good going into the next steps. We can all know tactics and prepare tactically but it’s [also about] the feelgood factor of the players.
"We have a lot to do, we have to be almost perfect in the second half of the season. We know we have given ourselves work to do. But statistically if you look at our performances, they have increased massively. We are creating more chances but we are letting in a few more goals than we are used to.
"The reality is that we have integrated a lot of new players into the team so we are having to work together."
ON THE PSV FRIENDLY
"I am expecting a challenge. They have some excellent players. It will be great preparation for the players. It’s the perfect opportunity to challenge ourselves. I am expecting a good game.
"We want to get back into a rhythm. We are both good clubs but we need to be using this to get a really good game. We are really looking forward to it."
TICKET INFORMATION
There is still time to secure your seat for United Women v PSV Eindhoven, this Friday 5 January 2024 at 18:00 CET (local time).
Tickets start from just €2 per person and can be booked online here.
The match will be shown live on MUTV, ManUtd.com and the United App at 17:00 GMT.