“We don’t play bad football, but we need to defend better”: Spurs’ Robert Vilahamn ahead of WSL encounter with West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to claim their second win of the season as the Women’s Super League returns on Sunday. They will host winless West Ham at Brisbane Road in their first game back after the international break.
Spurs are currently eighth in the standings with four points from their first five WSL matches. West Ham, meanwhile, sit at the bottom with two points as they continue to search for their first win.
Following a tough 5-2 loss to Chelsea before the break, Robert Vilahamn is focused on addressing the team’s defensive challenges.
The manager said: “We know what we need to fix and we’re doing it together.”
He highlighted the team’s determination to respond to three consecutive losses to Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
“We had a good performance but we conceded two easy goals against Chelsea, we want to bounce back and make sure we have a good game and a good result against West Ham.
“It’s an important game to make sure we start winning again and make sure we get some points in the table.”
While Vilahamn expressed confidence in his team’s attacking capabilities, he emphasises the need for greater ruthlessness and confidence to convert more opportunities, particularly from open play.
In terms of team news, Shuang Wang, Amy James-Turner and Hayley Raso have returned to training, but it is uncertain if they will be available for Sunday.
Defensive form
Spurs have conceded 13 goals so far this season. Along with newly promoted Crystal Palace, this is the joint highest in the league.
The manager shared his and the team’s frustration over needlessly losing possession in critical areas, saying: “We don’t play bad football, but we need to defend better.”
Reflecting on the challenges of managing a mid-table club compared to his previous role at BK Häcken, he noted the importance of finding a “balance of how much we dare to go forwards, but not to look stupid when we lose the ball.”
The opposition
Although West Ham currently sit at the bottom of the WSL table with two draws and three losses, Vilahamn is cautious about underestimating them.
Emphasising the competitiveness of the league, he acknowledged the quality of West Ham’s players and their manager, Rehanne Skinner.
“We need to fix a few things from the last game, we need to make sure we are at our best, and then we have a good chance to win, but it’s a tough game.
“We need to be very sharp and we have enormous respect for them.”
Future Lionesses
Vilahamn also reflected on the international break, highlighting Jessica Naz’s first senior start for England. Additionally, Lenna Gunning-Williams earned her debut call-up to England’s under-23s, while Araya Dennis continued to represent the under-19 team.
Vilahamn said: “It’s clear evidence that we can bring young players up through the system and get them to the national team and that’s the main thing we want to do with the academy.
“That’s a big thing for me, I want to win titles with the club but I also want to make sure these players come up and play in the national teams”
