“We need to make sure we are brave” – Robert Vilahamn ahead of Spurs’ WSL clash with Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur welcome second-place Manchester United to North London for the side’s second match of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Coming off back-to-back league wins, and back-to-back cup losses, Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs will be looking to build on their WSL form to cement their position alongside Brighton and Hove Albion as best-of-the-rest in Sunday evening’s televised match.
Red Devils At The Pointy End
United sit second in the WSL with a two-point cushion over local rivals Manchester City, who host Arsenal on Sunday.
Having gone four games unbeaten, including a comfortable victory against Brighton last week and derby-day delight against City, United come into Sunday’s game on a high.
Spurs suffered a 3-0 defeat when they travelled up to Manchester earlier in the season, having also fallen 4-0 to United in last year’s FA Cup final.
On the upcoming game, Vilahamn said: “The top four teams in the league are tough games for us, we need to understand that we are underdogs, but if we have a good day, we can win.
“(United) are one of the top…teams in the league, they’ve performed for a few years now and signed some good players.
“This year they’ve nailed their pressing game and defend very well.
“We cannot attack the whole game, we will need to defend for a while as well.
“But we need to have the bravery to keep the ball and find a way to attack, we cannot only kick long and hope.
Back on Home Turf
Spurs return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a difficult showing against Arsenal.
On playing at the stadium, Vilahamn said: “Playing at that stadium in front of our fans are the best games, every year.
“Last season we had three games (there) and we won all three of them; that momentum you create around the team, raising interest around the Womens’ team and grow it, these are the biggest games we can get for that.
“Arsenal this year was tough because we came into that game with bad self-confidence and didn’t play our best football…I definitely wasn’t brave enough as a coach.”
Brilliant Beth England
With seven goals in 12 WSL games, including two against Palace last week, Bethany England has been a key player for Tottenham.
On his skipper, Vilahamn said: “She’s a great role model for the younger players when representing the club.
“I’m a massive fan…and I’m very happy to have her.
“I’m not sure how (Sarina Wiegman) wants to use the Number Nine role, but I think (Beth) should be one of the candidates.”
Squad Building
Spurs have tried to strengthen what has proven to be a somewhat ‘leaky’ defence over the January transfer window.
Discussing his side’s news signings, Vilahamn said: “Lize Kop is a brilliant signing, she’s a brave goalkeeper both in possession and out.”
He added: “If you look at Olivia Holdt…she came to us from an injury, we need to build her up before we can benefit from her, but she scored against Crystal Palace which was ahead of schedule.
“She needs another month or so to really show England what she can do.
“Josefine Rybrink is a really good player with high quality…she’s a very intelligent and technical player that can help us in the right direction.”
Game Management: A Recurring Theme
Spurs have struggled in the latter stages of games throughout the season, and Vilahamn has spoken of better game management before.
Ahead of United, he said: “One thing is the experience that you have and learning from mistakes.
“Sometimes as a coach I need to learn how I can use subs in a different way.
“Its a journey we are making, we are taking steps…we’re making mistakes but we’re learning from them.
“Everyone should have the same game management, but that’s more about communication, and I think that we’re taking steps.”
