This weekend Crystal Palace make the long trip to St Helens Stadium where they will face Liverpool in their final league game before the first international break of the season.
Last week, Crystal Palace faced Brighton and Hove Albion at home and lost 1-0. However, the week previous, Crystal Palace made history and had their first ever victory in the Women’s Super League as they beat Leicester City away from home thanks to a brace from Blanchard. It is clear as the season progresses that the newly promoted side are improving with every game and are finding patterns of play which suit them best.
Palace’s weekend opposition Liverpool faced Man city at Anfield in their last game and fell to defeat in the 92nd minute of the game after a standout performance from Bunny Shaw.
Ahead of this weekend’s game here’s what Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski said in her press conference:
When asked about team news for this weekend Crystal Palace’s manager mentioned…
The team have been managing things well and believe they are in a good place squad wise for the weekend apart from a few minor setbacks - however, Kaminski highlighted how it is difficult to get a fully fit squad because of the high intensity training and the recovery necessary. The staff members and players are learning more about the transition from the Championship to the Women’s Super League and they are catering for individuals who need extra support with the transition into the top flight.
Regarding what is expected from this weekends opposition…
Kaminski mentioned how she and her team expect a tough game from Liverpool but nothing that the players aren’t use to as they transition into the top flight of English football. Crystal Palace’s manager believes it will be a challenging game for her side and a tough battle between players is expected.
Feelings on the upcoming international break…
Laura Kaminski spoke about how she thinks the upcoming international break will give her and the team a good chance to reflect and have some time away after a long period of time together. The player’s who are not on international duty will spend time with the Crystal Palace staff and continue to work hard ready for the next block of the season.
On their step up from the Championship and the similarities in the top flight…
They believe they can take things from their experience in the championship - they have the experience to play in the more gritty games which will help them against a team which Kaminski stated are a “well organised side who play some very attractive football with a strong formation.”
On Katie Stengel facing her old side this weekend…
It was mentioned that Katie Stengel speaks highly of her old manager Matt Beard. Stengel was then described by her new manager as an “ultimate professional.”
Although Stengel has good memories at Liverpool, times have changed and she is now playing for Crystal Palace and the focus is on Palace’s performance this weekend.
This weekends trip is a long trip across the country...
Kaminski described it as “part of the game.” And the journey can be relaxing and provide opportunities for conversations and bonding with players.
Shifted focus on what the team looks like and how they are finding their own identity as an oppose to previous team’s who have been promoted…
Palace’s manager believes that it’s important to not just focus on previous patterns and Palace are working on their own progressions. Kaminski then discussed how she has noticed that the majority of teams have powerful benches with players they can bring on to change the game and she has looked at this to see what she can do about this for the benefit of her side. It was highlighted by Laura Kaminski that facing these players in the top flight has quickly switched from a dream to a reality - and how it is great to be involved in the pace of the game and the technical ability displayed however it is hard to play against.
Upcoming fixtures after the international break…
Crystal Palace’s manager prepares for upcoming games with the next two or three games in mind to give herself and the team the correct preparation rather than this just being the focus the week before or week of the game.
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