Taylor sees “Light at the End of the Tunnel” for Liverpool ahead of Spurs Contest

Liverpool saw a triumphant 4-0 win over Barclays Women’s Super League newcomers Charlton Athletic in last week’s season opener, following what the team saw as a highly successful pre-season. This Sunday they face an in-form Tottenham Hotspur, and head coach Gareth Taylor feels they’ve finally reached a “light at the end of the tunnel”. 

With promising new signings and that crucial win under their belt, Liverpool are looking forward with a renewed sense of belief in what the club can achieve - a sentiment long overdue. 

Things didn’t move in Liverpool’s favour last year, having endured many disappointing results and only narrowly avoiding relegation. This can largely be attributed to a number of unprecedented circumstances, from persistent injuries following the squad throughout the season to the club incurring two devastating losses in September and October respectively; beloved ex-coach Matt Beard, and kit manager John Humble. 

Growing Through Difficult Times

Ahead of the Spurs clash, Gareth Taylor was asked what brings a club together when morale, both on and off the pitch, takes a hit:

“There was a lot to contend with. My admiration for this club and the way they handle those moments is immense. The bonds that I feel we made in this period of time, through these horrible circumstances, will last the test of time.”

For Taylor and his squad, standing together is what kept them afloat:

“No one can prepare you for those sorts of situations,” Taylor said, but emphasised that he feels the club are “better for it” nonetheless. 

Taylor’s belief in his squad comes through in the way he praises them, holding no ill-feeling despite his first year as head coach being a rocky one. In a time when the club could have easily found themselves at odds, it seems they grew together instead, and Taylor had nothing but a positive outlook on how the club demonstrated resilience and compassion for one another over this time.

“Our job is to help individuals thrive,” Taylor said, feeling his overarching role as a coach is to foster an environment for the players, in particular young ones, to flourish and envision their potential as players and people. 

New Beginnings

Liverpool saw the departure of eight players over the summer, though brought in six newcomers, including Manchester City goalkeeper and Lioness Khiara Keating, and German International Vivien Endemann from Wolfsburg. 

Keating, having already earned her first senior England cap, expressed that a lack of minutes at City left her wanting more, especially with the World Cup looming at the end of this season. Taylor described Keating as, despite only being twenty-two, “wise beyond her years”.

“Khiara knows the size of Liverpool. She knew there was a platform here to showcase what she can do.” 

Taylor further praised Keating by emphasising her positive role in the changing room, as an enthusiastic and energetic player who will no doubt be given many opportunities to showcase her talent at the club.

Endemann, having scored on her debut against Charlton, was one of Liverpool’s most exciting and anticipated signings. 

“Viv’s an exciting player. This is a team where she can go and express herself. Her scoring will give her a lot of confidence.”

Taylor believes this is just “a glimpse of what she can do,”

It would be remiss to not mention Grace Fisk, who very nearly scored a hat trick in that Charlton opener, though ultimately came away with a brace. Her flair was evidenced in previous seasons, even when the team struggled, and Taylor feels confident about her growth as a player translating into some aggressive pushes against other WSL sides.

Ahead Of Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur got off to an equally positive start in their season opener. 

“Nothing’s given in the WSL. We have to still go and earn it.”

From Saturday’s results alone, with West Ham beating the highly competitive London City Lionesses, Taylor’s sentiment rings true. Both Martin Ho and Gareth Taylor’s sides have seen development over the summer. Taylor sees Liverpool as entering a new era of play-style, away from the possession-heavy football of last season.

The squad is missing a few players ahead of the clash though, including Mao Itamura, Mari Ward, and Lucy Parry who are recovering from minor injuries. Zara Shaw is also unavailable, representing England at the U20 World Cup.

Sam Kerr played at right back against Charlton, away from her usual midfield position, but Taylor says she played exceptionally regardless, and it is this kind of mentality that will better prepare Liverpool for challenges going forward.