Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that she expects opening day opponents Tottenham Hotspur to bring an aggressive style of play.
The Blues face Spurs at Stamford Bridge tomorrow evening as they get their Barclays Women’s Super League title defence underway.
Spurs are under new management this season after Robert Vilahamn was named the club’s permanent head coach in the summer. Hayes believes that Vilahamn’s Spurs will be aggressive when they arrive at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
“Obviously, from recruiting players in Sweden, I’ve had the chance to see his teams play, so I’m aware a little bit of playing style,” Hayes said.
“They (Spurs) have only played a few games, mainly behind-closed-doors, so we have limited information.
“I expect to see an aggressive Tottenham come out at Stamford Bridge. Whether it’s in the initial press or from a mid-block situation, I still expect that they will be aggressive and compact, difficult to break down and they haven’t conceded many goals in the pre-season period.
“Only time will tell what that team looks like. I think some of it will still look like last year but with a different imprint from the manager.”
The UEFA Women’s Champions League remains the one trophy that Chelsea are yet to win. Looking ahead to the new season, Hayes says that she is only interested in making a winning start in the league at this point.
She said “My biggest focus and effort is the fact that we have lost four opening (league) games in a row, that’s my biggest concern.
“We need a win on Sunday, we haven’t done it for four years running. I’m not thinking about the Champions League, I’m thinking about Stamford Bridge and getting a win on Sunday.”
Chelsea’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur kicks-off at 5.30pm on Sunday evening.
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