London City’s Inaugural Match in the Women’s Super League
In a candid reflection on London City’s inaugural match in the Women’s Super League (WSL), manager Jocelyn Precheur expressed hope that his team can bridge the gap with Arsenal despite a challenging 4-1 defeat. The team entered their opening game with confidence, showcasing strong performance in the first 20 minutes. Precheur noted that Arsenal’s coach, Renee Slegers, recognized London City as “really hard to play against,” especially as they took an early lead courtesy of a penalty scored by Kosovare Asllani.
Challenges Faced During the Match
However, the team struggled to maintain their early momentum.
“I’m disappointed, particularly given our strong start,”
said Precheur.
“The initial organization was solid, but as the game progressed, we found it increasingly hard to cope with Arsenal’s intensity. We played against the reigning European champions, so we anticipated a challenging encounter. Nonetheless, I believe our team can perform at a higher level.”
This match marked a significant milestone for London City, having achieved promotion to the WSL at the conclusion of the previous season. The club made considerable investments in their squad during the summer, spending around £3 million ($4 million) on new talent, including a record transfer of €1.6 million ($1.88 million) for Grace Geyoro. Despite these upgrades, several key players like Geyoro and Daniëlle van de Donk were absent for the opener, while newcomers Katie Zelem, Alanna Kennedy, and Jana Fernández had only recently joined the team, limiting their preparation time.
Looking Ahead
“We have the potential to adapt to the demands of the WSL. Fortunately, we’ve brought in players who understand the intensity of this league. Now, our focus is on fostering team cohesion as many of our squad members have only been with us for a week,”
Precheur explained. He acknowledged the need for patience as the team settles into their new environment:
“We missed a few vital new signings today. Adapting to a new country and league takes time, and while the start will be challenging, I’m optimistic that we can close the gap we’ve seen today.”
Reflecting on the game, Precheur admitted that the players strayed from the intended gameplan in the second half. He emphasized the steep learning curve ahead, highlighting the exceptionally competitive nature of the WSL.
“This league is the most competitive in the world. Despite our ambition, we understand that improvement cannot happen overnight. I firmly believe that this club has the potential to become a significant player in the future, but with teams like Arsenal, who just claimed the Champions League title, the timeline for reaching our goals remains uncertain.”
Looking forward, London City will prepare to face Manchester United in their first home match in the top flight next weekend, marking another crucial step in their WSL journey.
