Scott Phelan says he wants to make Everton Women a “winning team” again as the new interim manager held his first press conference ahead of the Toffees’ clash with London City Lions this weekend.
The former Everton Under-18s captain was appointed captain on Wednesday morning following the departure of Bryan Sorensen.
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Phelan will be assisted by Jennifer Foster and goalkeeping coach Ian McCalden, with the 37-year-old praising Foster’s knowledge as he highlighted his ambitions for the players who have impressed him since taking over.
“Our goal is to win football games. If we can combine that performance level with a certain style of play that we are trying to implement and win games, that would be great,” said the former academy star.
“There are no requirements for league position, we just want to be a winning team again.
“My connection with the club goes back a long way. I’m well known in the building and the club felt I was the right appointment.
“My years at the club have taught me how important the women’s team is in this club.”
“It was a real honor to be with the players today and train them. They have been very professional over the last 24 hours.
“Jen is amazing. She is so humble and knowledgeable about the women’s game. She is an invaluable, wonderful coach.
“She’s a very valuable person and a big part of what we’re trying to do.”
While the news at Goodison Park this week has been dominated by managerial changes, Phelan also addressed the team’s weekend opponents, who the former Bradford City man believes are a good side but his main focus is on creating a style of play for the Blues that works both at home and away.
“We want to see a good team. It’s not about being wary of our strengths, that’s why it’s exciting. We want to play in style at Goodison Park and away from home,” he said.
“Spending a lot of time in the higher areas of the pitch is what I want to achieve. They need to enjoy it – it’s a privilege to be part of this club as a player or as a member of staff.”
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London City Lions are enjoying a strong first season in the WSL and will be further strengthened by the signing of midfielder Malou Marcetto this week from La Liga F club CFF Madrid.
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Ed Maeste’s side have met three of the top four in their first five games in September, with two wins for the Lionesses, who have taken a positive approach in style, aided by experienced former Toffees Nikita Parris, who has three league goals this season, and Freya Godfrey, who has been in fine form during the season and tops the team’s goalscoring charts with four goals.
The 20-year-old became the team’s hero last week when she scored the winner away to Brighton to give the Lionesses their first win in five league games.
With six wins in 14 league games, only five teams above the sixth-placed Lionesses have won more.
previous sessions
Isobel Goodwin’s brace settled matters at Goodison in September as the Blues suffered their second home defeat in five days.
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Yuka Momiki’s second-half penalty halved the deficit, but the Toffees ultimately suffered from a slow start, which the visitors capitalized on to claim their first win in the WSL.
While Everton will be seeking revenge, Phelan will be keen to ensure a winning start to his tenure but it would be wise to keep a close eye on a team that has almost achieved its top-flight survival target and will be keen to prove their first season in the top flight was no fluke.
Everton Women will take on London City Lions on Sunday 8 February at the Coperjax Community Stadium. The game in the capital begins at 12 noon GMT (7am ET, 4am PT).