Phelan exhibits “teamwork, commitment and togetherness” as Everton prepare for West Ham

Everton Women interim manager, Scott Phelan spoke to the media ahead of his side’s fixture against West Ham United on Sunday.

Both the Toffees and the Hammers secured three points in their respective Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures last weekend, proving vital victories to avoid the relegation zone. With only three points separating them, both teams will be seeking another win this weekend.

Reflecting on London City Lionesses:

Last weekend, Everton secured a 1–0 win against London City Lionesses. This was pivotal for Phelan as he is finding his feet with the team:

“I enjoyed every moment of it, to be honest. It was definitely a different week, and the initial reaction at the start of the week, it’s not always easy to see anyone lose their role in terms of a change of manager, but quite quickly, I started to feel very comfortable around the staff and players that were already in place.

So the initial reactions, rightly so and regardless of the result on Sunday, were really positive, and that’s what we’re trying to explain to the group as well. There’s still more than enough time to enjoy this period from now until the end of the season, and there’s an opportunity for us to make some really good moments.

I came away from Sunday, obviously the result helped, with a positive spring in my step, and the week has proved that way as well.”

Despite a lack of time to prepare the team under new leadership, the interim coach seemed confident with the game plan and the way his squad executed it:

“There’s only so much you can do in two training sessions before Sunday’s game, so it was about delivering simple messages, which proved to be important in how the game turned out.

Sunday was a big challenge. London City have some very talented players, but the physical profile of their team made certain parts of the game extra important, defending corners, for example, and crosses into the box from open play.

It’s good to be challenged at times, but the way the group stood up to those moments was very impressive, and I was really proud of them at the end of the game.”

The mood on the training pitch has been comfortable and positive, which is most important to Phelan:

“With training as anything to go by, we’re definitely in a good mood. The noise and enthusiasm around the sessions have been very noticeable, and that’s something we asked them to bring enthusiasm and enjoyment for the opportunity to play professional sport.”

Previewing West Ham

The Toffees will face the Hammers at home, Goodison Park this weekend, where they expect a tough game against a side fighting a relegation battle:

“Expecting a tough game, but an exciting one. It’s a great opportunity to come back to our home stadium. At the start of the season, we were really excited to use it as our home ground. The results in the season may have differed, but we’re desperate to play at home again.

The support we noticed away in the previous game was loud, and the players definitely responded to that. They mentioned that after the game, the encouragement and support from the stands, so when we play at Goodison, we expect a similar noise and encouragement. We want to make our ground a tough place to come.

“We know after Sunday what to expect, a really tough, competitive game. West Ham will be coming off a strong result, so their confidence will be high, and that’s something we need to be ready for and respond to.”

However, Everton have their sights set on winning, which is of course their principal aim and goal under new leadership:

“The expectation is to win, but the mindset is to play with purpose and be the more dominant team. That’s something I keep in mind regardless of the opponent, and hopefully it can be achieved by the time Sunday afternoon comes.”

Managing pressures

For Phelan, it is important to stress the implementation of teamwork, commitment and togetherness within the squad to ease and manage both internal and external pressures:

“In conversations with the players, we talk about the types of behaviours they can bring to the pitch, not necessarily technically or tactically, but what they can bring as individuals, things like teamwork, commitment and togetherness.

Regardless of results and form, that’s always something we stress as our foundation to move forward.

This game this weekend will be no different. Whether the team is at the top, bottom or somewhere in the middle, we focus on what’s important for us as a team and as individuals, and if enough of those things are done correctly, there’ll be a good performance at the end of it.”

Momentum and managerial changes

Regarding Brian Sørensen’s departure, and Phelan’s interim role, the squad have remained positive and optimistic for the future of the team as the WSL season continues:

“We’re definitely there in terms of momentum. Change brings different opportunities, and that’s something we’re keen to stress to the players, making sure that this opportunity, from now until the end of the season, is a positive one.

Certain things have to be consistent in order to achieve that, but the start the players have made is very encouraging. That’s giving me hope that from now until the end of the season, things can be bright and really positive.”

“The players are training well, and we’re expecting minimal changes.”‘

Everton take on West Ham United on Sunday, 15th February at Goodison Park (12:00 KO).