Amber Whiteley previewed Liverpool women’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
The reds caused upset by knocking out Arsenal, one of the favourites to win, in the quarter final after an own goal by Van Domselaar.
Confidence from quarter final
Whiteley emphasised the confidence the team gained after beating Arsenal to progress to their first semi-final in eight years.
She said: “I think we’ve taken a lot of confidence from that quarter final against Arsenal and the result in the league against Man United.”
Liverpool’s last two results in the WSL have been loses to Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The reds’ manager believed the team weren’t given a chance on the ball against Arsenal but will utilise that experience to be more proactive against Chelsea.
She said: “They didn’t give us a minute on the ball.
“We expect another difficult test on Saturday but if we get the details right particularly without the ball, we know we can frustrate Chelsea and causing a problem specially on transition.
“It’s about getting those small details right that we prepare for, and we go out and train and put into practice, but we’ve got to do it on the day.”
Underdogs
Only Chelsea, Man United, Man City, and Liverpool remain in the competition- with the reds ranking the lowest of the four in the WSL table.
Amber Whiteley said: “I think if we perform on the day I honestly believe that we can beat anyone in front of us.
“Chelsea have got quality all over the pitch they’re a world class side but if we execute the game plan, we know we can cause some problems.”
Injuries
It’s good news for Liverpool in terms of injuries with just Ceri Holland being unavailable for the semi-final.
Whiteley said: “Majority have come back fit and well Ceri [Holland] returned early from international break. She’s not as bad as we originally thought but we’re taking it day by day.
“Olivia smith has been back in full training, which is good news, and she should be available to play this weekend.”
It was announced after the press conference that reds youngster Zara Shaw sustained an ACL injury while on international duty with the England U19s.
Issues with April international break
Many complained about the timing of the April international break after numerous injuries and concerns for player welfare.
Whiteley said: “I think it’s a busy period for sure but it’s the same for both sides and it’s the hand that you’re dealt with.
“Yes, it’s a challenge to get the same level of detail in your preparation and training in the same way you would in a full training week, but you have to find ways of getting around that.
“It’s the same for both sides and Chelsea will have lots of players returning today and tomorrow.
“We have to make the best of what’s in front of us.”
Impact on Liverpool
Whiteley emphasised the team’s achievement in getting to their first semi-final Liverpool in eight years.
She said: “I think it’s a really exciting prospect being one away from Wembley and that’s the incentive for definite.
“The full focus has got to be on the game and the task in hand but it’s the first time we’ve been in a semi-final for 8 years so it’s a big achievement.
“We want to put absolutely everything in on Saturday and give ourselves every chance of being in the final.”
As the growth of women’s football continues, Whiteley emphasised the importance of performing on a big stage like Wembley.
She said: “I think it would be huge for our following and our fan base so we will give it absolutely everything to try and get there and give our fans a performance to be really proud of and a day to look forward to at Wembley.”
Liverpool take on Chelsea in Kingsmeadow Park on Saturday 12th April at 12:30pm.
If they are successful, they will progress to the final and take on either Manchester United or City in Wembley.
(Featured image: Vitality Women’s FA Cup FA Trophies Shoot, Wembley Stadium, London, UK – 10 Sep 2020 Photo: The FA/Sam Holden Agency/Tom Murat)
