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Photo by Jess Hornby - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Whiteley took over control of the Women’s team again following Matt Beard’s departure.
It’s been a week of upheaval for the Liverpool Women, as manager Matt Beard left his position earlier in the week, just as players were returning from international break. Beard’s second term as manager for the Women was majorly impactful on the club and one would expect his departure to be just as powerful.
Thankfully there are no early signs of disaster, as Amber Whiteley has stepped into the interim role again. Whiteley led the Women to a win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with defender Jasmine Matthews’ goal the difference maker.
“I thought it was a really strong performance from start to finish,” Whiteley told the club website following the win.
“I would have liked to have been further ahead at half-time. We created some really good opportunities in front of goal and some of the attacking play I thought was brilliant today. Second half, they came at us a little bit more but I’m really pleased with the way we defended. It was great.”
Jasmine Matthews scored the only goal of the match in the first half, and though players like Marie Höbinger and Gemma Bonner were able to get close, that one goal would be the only one the Reds would need to secure three points.
“I thought Jas was excellent. Obviously great for her to get the goal that won us the game but I thought she was outstanding with the ball at her feet,” Whiteley said of the defender.
“She’s only just come back into the team, has been out for a while with injury. So, brilliant to have her back.”
Despite being away during the international break, Whiteley wasted no time in taking control of the squad following Beard’s departure. She spoke briefly about changing the system in short time they had to prepare for the match, and how that will be their target as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup.
“We’ve changed the system. We only had a couple of days to work on it. So, we’ll get to work on the training pitch next week, keep working in those areas and hopefully we’ll be more clinical in front of goal in the coming games,” Whiteley explained.
“It’s been a quick turnaround but the staff have been absolutely brilliant. Our analysts – Jordan [Kevan] and Noah [Sansbury] – [have been] absolutely fantastic, put a real shift in to help get the work prepared to deliver to the players. The players have just responded so, so well. They’ve had a lot of new information to take on board and they’ve gone out and produced that today. I’m so, so pleased with them.
“It’ll be good to have a full week on the grass. We know it’ll be a tough test next week but we’ll be prepared. We’ll give it a good go next week.”
All plans turn to next Sunday when Liverpool travel to Meadow Park to face Arsenal in the next round of the FA Cup.
