Celtic FC Women boss Fran Alonso is refusing to get carried away by the upheaval at Glasgow City this summer.
The SWPL1 Champions lost manager Scott Booth to Birmingham City, after he led the side to six league titles and two Scottish Cups [GCFC].
With the team also having lost in midweek in the Champions League, you might’ve thought this team in flux wasn’t quite as dangerous as they were last season.
Celtic boss Alonso thinks otherwise. In a press conference, attended by 67 Hail Hail, the Celtic FC Women manager was critical of the suggestion that Glasgow City were any weaker.
He told 67 Hail Hail:
“I have to say, there is never a good time to play Glasgow City. That’s the first game they lose since last year [against Chênois GE in the Champions League]. They are not only winning, but they’re winning very convincingly.
“They won both legs in the Champions League. We were there, it’s not easy.
“For me, I definitely wouldn’t play Glasgow City down at all. I think they are only stronger. Different coach, slightly different tactics, maybe more fluidity up front, maybe less fluidity playing out. They’ve got a good coach, they are well-drilled, they are very, very dangerous.
“We will have to treat them like the favourites, because they are. So, it’s not a good time [necessarily], but we have to play them, and we’re very, very excited.
“And confident as well.”
Celtic FC Women boss respects but doesn’t necessarily fear Glasgow City
Given Celtic’s exciting win against Aberdeen, and the experience from playing Champions League football, this is a truly emboldened team.
While wins didn’t come against Levante or Minsk, the step-up in level from those games will surely equip Celtic well this season. And although getting into the Group Stages would’ve been an outstanding achievement, Alonso’s team have more time to train and recover than our title competitors.
Alonso is right, though. Underestimate Glasgow City at your peril. And while the manager is confident about the ability of his team, he’s clear that we’re underdogs on Sunday.
But that’s just how Alonso likes it.
Oh, and about that Aberdeen win. Given the Dons’ Women’s team having co-managers, we had to ask: would Fran Alonso consider the same kind of set-up?
“Co-managers? Yeah, if you bring here Pochettino, I’d be happy with that!”
Perhaps not for now, then.
In other news: The lethal debutant Celtic could face next week
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