Taylor confident after first WSL win ahead of Manchester United

Liverpool FC Women head coach, Gareth Taylor believes his side carry renewed confidence into Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Manchester United Women, following a morale-boosting victory over Tottenham Hotspur. 

Liverpool’s dramatic late win last weekend marked a turning point after a run of draws, and Taylor says the impact has been clear on the training ground at Melwood:

“The reset levels with the girls were really good,” Taylor explained. “This week has felt different. We were buoyed by the result and the performance, and that spreads confidence. It gives us something to build on going into a tough period”.

Momentum and belief

Taylor stressed that the recent upturn is the result of trust in the process rather than any drastic change in approach. Preparation, consistency of behaviour and patience have been key themes during a challenging season:

“There’s a strong element of trust in how we work and how we prepare for opponents”, he said. “It doesn’t guarantee wins, but it gives you a real opportunity to compete”.

A crucial factor has been Liverpool’s recent transfer business, which has added depth and competition across the pitch:

“It was clear the squad needed additions, and we’ve got that now”, Taylor added. “it’s helped us massively, and hopefully we can get more players back fit and healthy as well”.

Team news and returning options

There was further encouragement on the injury front, with Beata Olsson returning to training and pushing for a place in the matchday squad. Anna Jøsendal remains slightly further away, while long-term absentees continue their rehabilitation. 

The return of key attacking options is something Taylor believes could be decisive as the season enters its final stretch:

“All of a sudden, we’ve got so many more options-not just from the start, but in-game as well,” he said. “That’s been really welcome”.

Respect for United challenge 

Liverpool faces a formidable test against a Manchester United side who have re-established momentum after a brief dip in form. Taylor was full of praise for United head coach Mark Skinner and the work he has done:

“You can see Mark’s stamp on the team now,” Taylor said. “They’ve had two really good transfer windows and brought in players who’ve transformed them, particularly in attack”.

Taylor described United as one of the most impressive teams in the Barclays Women’s Super League this season, but insists Liverpool are ready to test themselves:

“We’re coming off the back of a good performance, and we want to put another one in. if we do that, it gives us a real chance of deciding where the points go”.

Big month ahead

With nine league games remaining and a congested table at both ends, Taylor knows consistency will be vital:

“It’s a results-based industry, and we’re fully aware of that”, he concluded. “But with the squad we’re building and the togetherness at this club, we’re confident we can compete in what’s going to be a very tough run-in”.

Liverpool travel to Leigh Sports Village on Sunday aiming to carry belief, momentum and growing squad strength into one of their biggest tests of the season.