Taylor praises Liverpool’s progress ahead of crucial Villa clash
Liverpool FC Women head coach Gareth Taylor spoke the media ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa Women at St Helens Stadium, reflecting on recent progress, squad development and the challenges facing his side as the season reaches a decisive stage.
The Reds return to home action to build on encouraging performances in the Women’s Super League and maintain momentum in a tightly contested league.
January Recognition Reflects Growing Identity
Taylor welcomed his January Manager of the Month nomination, emphasising that it reflected collective progress rather than individual recognition.
He described January as a positive period, particularly at St Helens Stadium, while acknowledging there were fixtures where Liverpool felt they could have taken more:
“Our home form has been strong of late. We feel we are a better proposition now than we were before Christmas, largely due to being able to strengthen the group and add quality around the players we already had”.
The increased availability of players since the New Year has allowed Liverpool to implement their playing identity more consistently.
St Helens Form Key as Reds Target Momentum
Taylor underlined the importance of home form, highlighting the role of supporter backing in providing an additional competitive edge:
“St Helens is a really positive environment for us. It gives us energy and belief, and that’s something we want to continue to use to our advantage”.
With several key fixtures still to come, Liverpool is focused on maximising points on home soil.
Villa Analysis Highlights Need for Discipline and Control
Assessing Aston Villa, Taylor acknowledged their inconsistency in recent performances but stressed the need for Liverpool to remain disciplined:
“They’re an aggressive team with a clear plan. They look to exploit space and hurt teams on the counter. We’ve identified areas we feel we can exploit, but we’ll need to be fully focused”.
Taylor added that Liverpool must look to impose themselves in possession while remaining alert defensively.
Tight League Margins Demand Consistency and Courage
With all teams in the lower half of the table having recently picked up results, Taylor acknowledged the fine margins that now define the league:
“It’s going to be very tight. Unless a team goes on a strong run, positions can change quickly. For us, it’s about staying in touch and being ready when those decisive games come”.
He also reiterated that Liverpool remains in a developmental phase following January recruitment, with on-field relationships continuing to evolve.
Game Management, Tactical Growth and Performance Standards
Asked by Olivia Rafferty, Taylor confirmed that Liverpool have made clear strides since earlier in the season:
“Yes, without doubt. Before Christmas, there were mitigating circumstances that limited us. Now we look fitter, more robust, and far more organised without the ball”.
He pointed to increased competition for places and higher training standards as key drivers of that improvement.
On how Aston Villa may test Liverpool differently Rafferty also asked how Villa may compare to recent opponents:
“They have pace and power and look to exploit space. But we feel there are areas, particularly in possession, where we can impose ourselves”.
He praised Liverpool’s recent pressing delays while acknowledging that efficiency with the ball remains an area for further development.
On the importance of performance when results do not follow Rafferty’s final question focused on maintaining performance standards regardless of outcome:
Performance is fundamental. It doesn’t guarantee results, but it gives you the best possible chance of achieving them”.
He referenced Liverpool’s recent victory over Tottenham as an example of sustained performance eventually being rewarded.
FA Cup Integrity and Managerial Volatility Addressed
Taylor also offered his thoughts on proposed changes to the Women’s FA Cup format, expressing caution around seeding top teams and emphasising the competition’s historic value.
He further shared his sympathy following recent managerial departures within the league, acknowledging the volatility of the profession and the pressures faced by head coaches at the elite level.
Squad Update: Román Haug Set for Surgery as Olsson Nears Return
Liverpool will be without Sophie Román Haug, who is scheduled to undergo surgery next week following an ankle-related injury sustained in training.
Beata Olsson continues her recovery and is edging closer to availability, though she is not yet ready for a starting role. The remainder of the squad has largely come through training unscathed, providing Liverpool with increased selection options ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Liverpool FC Women return to action on Sunday at St Helens Stadium, aiming to convert recent progress into valuable points in the Women’s Super League.