Spurs vs Chelsea (WSL) | Robert’s preview: “We want to compete and go for the win”
Wed 15 May 2024, 09:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Robert Vilahamn is excited to compete against ‘one of the top four sides in the world’ this evening as we take on Chelsea at Brisbane Road (7.15pm UK).
It’s a double header of London derbies this week, starting with the clash against the Blues before welcoming West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (3pm UK) for the final game of the campaign – tickets remain available to buy.
Although we have secured sixth spot in the table, we head into tonight’s encounter on a five-game unbeaten run in the league, winning two and drawing three, while Chelsea are chasing down Manchester City for the WSL title – sitting three points behind with this game in hand ahead of the final weekend.
However, Robert remains focused on the development of his side and is looking forward to the challenge against Emma Hayes’ side.
Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he said: “Every game is important to us, especially against the top teams because we want to learn to play better football against some of the best sides in the league and close that gap.
We want to try to compete and go for the win, but we also accept that, sometimes, we might need to defend.
“We had a really good performance against Chelsea in the first game of the season and, now, we are here in the second to last game of the campaign, so it will be good to see how we compete against them because, when they have a good day, they are probably one of the top four sides in the world.
“We want to try to compete and go for the win, but we also accept that, sometimes, we might need to defend."
Asked about how the quick turnaround from the FA Cup Final could affect players, Robert replied: “Of course, mentally and physical it’s not too much time to recover and go into this game… however, we are trained to play two games a week and we should be able to do it and, hopefully, we can find new energy and make sure we do a good performance.”
Tonight’s encounter will be Hayes penultimate game in charge of Chelsea as she departs in the summer to become the Head Coach of the United States Women’s national team, and Robert praised the impact she has made on game.
“She’s a big role model for Women’s football and the growth of it,” he added. “For me coming into Women’s football just a few years ago, I can be inspired on what she has done, the hard work from semi-professional all the way up to here. I’m very impressed with what she has done, what she is doing and how she seems to be a very clever person and coach.
“I try to find my own way but, of course, I can be inspired by others and she’s definitely a role model in that area.”
