Manchester United turned around their Women’s Super League form through intense honest conversations and tactical readjustments following a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea, according to manager Natalia Olid. The team prepares to face Manchester City in a derby on Sunday.
Manager Natalia Olid explained that the squad went through a transitional period that required honest discussions to find solutions and restore team confidence following a heavy 5-0 defeat by Chelsea.
The first two games were good learning for us to connect as a team and for me to know what the players needed from me. The players also know what I needed. It was about trying to find that balance.
Natalia Olid, Manchester United manager
Vice-captain Ella Toone missed out on an England squad selection under Sarina Wiegman for the first time before responding by scoring in a 3-1 victory at Charlton, while summer signing Andrea Medina established herself as a vital squad member.
Training Ground Changes During International Break
The international break provided training ground time for Olid to evaluate her new role and implement changes. England defender and club captain Maya le Tissier returned from international duty with renewed energy after impressing for her country.
Olid finalized her backroom staff, bringing in fellow Spaniard Jose Herrera as assistant coach alongside Gavin Beith, who previously worked with Olid at Hearts.
I had time to re-organise everything, the roles for the new staff and how we are going to work together. This break, for me, was amazing. It was like a new start. It was about keeping the good energy from the last matches but then having a new start.
Natalia Olid, Manchester United manager
United Meet Manchester City in Derby Clash
United look ahead to Sunday’s clash against Manchester City while riding a winning run. Olid views the derby fixture as natural added motivation for her players.
I always think that before big games, you want to give confidence to the players and at the same time, you try to motivate them with the opposition. It’s a derby. I think the players are always motivated, but against City, there has to be something else, no?
Natalia Olid, Manchester United manager
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