Girls on the Ball

Leicester City captain Aileen Whelan spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Super League game against Manchester City.

How do you think January went for the side?

“It was a good one, first points on the board and a positive performance, three goals as well and given us some momentum” Whelan said.  Added they also had a couple of friendlies in which they got wins, goals and clean sheets.

Do you see the fight, spirit and quality for Leicester to stay in the WSL this season?

Whelan responded by saying “there has definitely been a shift in the environment, passion and enthusiasm in training and the games, and getting the fans to stick with us as going in the right direction now”.

Is there a feeling there has been a change?

“It is a lot more positive and a lot more belief in what we are trying to achieve, and definitely going in the right direction” Whelan said.

As out of the cups, is only focusing now on the WSL a good thing?

Whelan said it is disappointing to have gone out of the FA Cup as want to play as many games as possible, “but league to focus on and that is priority and will be until end of the season”.

Do you feel any result against Manchester City will be massive in survival hopes?

“Yeah absolutely, to climb the table we need points on the board, anything one or three points, we are going out to make sure we leave with something” Whelan responded.

What lessons did you learn from the Conti Cup game against Man City in January that you can take into this one?

Whelan answered by saying “I think Man City play the same sort of game plan whoever plays so we have got enough analyst on that so we can try and counteract and attack their weaknesses as best as possible, it doesn’t matter who we are playing, we go out with the same mentality”.

How important can the home fans be at the King Power Stadium on Saturday?

“Ever week the fans turn up and we can hear them from the start till the final whistle, and I am sure Man City will be bringing a big group of fans so the more we can get there to overshadow that noise will be the best for us as players” Whelan concluded.