Ho reflects on Spurs’ Preparation ahead of Everton Clash

Tottenham Hotspur Women manager Martin Ho says his side have used the recent break in fixtures as an opportunity to reflect and reset ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League meeting with Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ho explained that the pause in matches has allowed the squad to review their performances during a busy run of games and focus on preparing for the challenge Everton will bring:  

“We’ve given ourselves a chance to reflect and look back at some things we’ve done in this period of busy games”, Ho said. “Now it’s about making sure we’re ready going into Everton”.

Team News Update

In terms of squad availability, Ho confirmed there are few changes from recent weeks: 

“Not much has changed from where we were”, he explained. “Drew is back, and Ella Morris is now back in full training, although, although this game might come a little bit too soon for her. Apart from that, we’re pretty much as we were”.

Maika Hamano, Clare Hunt and Tõko Koga remain absent due to their progression through the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Everton’s Recent Form

Everton arrive in strong form, having won their last three WS; matches. Ho acknowledged the positive impact made by new manager Scott, who he knows well from his own time at the Merseyside club:

“I think they’ve done really well since the change of manager”, Ho said. “Scott is a really good coach and a really good person, and he’s made an instant impact there.

“If you look at their league games, they’ve won three in a row. They’re a dangerous team, they don’t concede many goals, and they’re very organised defensively. With the ball they’re direct and very good in transition, but they’re also very hard to break down”.

Building Long-Term Foundations 

Ho also spoke about Tottenham’s continued development under his leadership, with the focus on building foundations for long-term success in the WSL:

“This year is about building foundations that you can build a team from,” he explained. “Then in the coming years it’s about growth and sustaining that, becoming part of that elite group”.

“We’ve pushed boundaries that maybe we didn’t think we could push before. The players and staff have done exceptionally well and I’m proud of them”.  

Tottenham are currently close to equalling the club’s best points total in the Women’s Super League, something Ho believes reflects the team’s progress.

There are a lot of objectives we look at-points totals, goals scored, clean sheets-and those things help drive ambition and motivation within the group”.

Praise for Club Leadership

Ho also praised Tottenham managing director Andy for his support of the women’s team and the wider growth of the club:  

“The recognition isn’t just for me”, Ho said. “It’s for the players, the staff, and the whole club. I’m not the only one doing the work.

Andy has been a huge advocate for women’s football and for this team. His energy and passion for the club is infectious and he constantly pushes us to be better”.

Vinberg Impressing in Attack

Ho reserved praise for Midfielder Matilda Vinberg, who has recently found form after overcoming injuries earlier in the season:

“She’s been really impressive”, he said. “She had difficult start with injuries and illness, but now she’s starting to show what she’s capable of. She scored against London City in the FA Cup and against West Ham, but she’s also contributing in other ways in our performances”.

 Vinberg’s recent displays have earned her a call-up to the Swedish national team squad:

“It’s fully deserved,” Ho added. “Being around the senior national team will give her motivation and confidence going forward. Hopefully it’s just the start for her”.

Spurs Aiming for Consistency

Tottenham have picked up many of their points this season against teams around them in the table, something Ho believes reflects the team’s growing consistency:

“We prepare for every team in exactly the same way”, he said. “The level increases when you play the top teams, but I think we’ve grown in those games as well. We’ve pushed some of those teams close. Now it’s about taking the next step and making sure those games start to fall our way”.

Identity and Playing Style

Ho also highlighted the importance of Tottenham continuing to develop their playing identity:

“I want us to be hard to beat, but with the ball I want us to be more fluid and less predictable”, he explained. “The players all bring different qualities and that gives us flexibility.

We’re in a good place. We have a clear identity in how we want to play both with and without the ball”.

Focus on the Season Run-In

With several matches remaining in both the league and the FA Cup, Ho says his side remain motivated to finish the season strongly.

“We know there are still a lot of games to be played”, he said. “We want to finish as high as possible in the league and go as far as we can in the FA Cup.

That gives the team real motivation to keep pushing”.

Facing a Former Club

Sunday’s fixture also sees Ho face Everton, a club that played a key role in his coaching development:

“I have a lot of respect for Everton, “he said. “They gave me opportunities early in my career and helped with my development.

But when the game starts, I’m working for Tottenham. I want to win for this team, the players and the staff”.