After overseeing our sixth straight win in all competitions, Renée Slegers shared her thoughts on our 3-1 victory over Valerenga.
Our interim head coach made several changes to the starting XI heading into the Champions League tie.
“I’m very happy with the win,” said Renée. “We went for a win, we wanted to set ourselves up for a decisive game against Bayern at Boreham Wood.
“I’m very happy for the girls. Some new partnerships on the pitch and some new positions again at the end of the game as well. We managed it really well, so I think again a very professional win from the team.”
Included in those new partnerships and new positions was 18-year-old centre back, Katie Reid, making her first professional start in the fullback position.
“I've been here for a little more than a year, and I see how the academy players are developing. It's getting stronger and stronger, better and better, and players are coming through.
“Katie and Freya have been with us for a while. They train with us day in, day out. They've shown in our training environment that they deserve these opportunities and they're ready to go. I think you could see that with Katie Reid today, starting for us, she did really well. We felt this was the right game to give Freya the opportunity, as well.”
With a trip to Liverpool now beckoning, Renée has no concerns about continued momentum.
"I think we don't have a choice. It's coming so quickly. We've already spoken about recovery. The girls are doing what they need to do already now, minutes after the game, to get ready for Liverpool. I think that's the advantage you have. If it comes so quickly, you have no time to think. It's Liverpool."
With over 1,000 supporters making the journey to Oslo to cheer on the squad in sub-zero conditions, our interim coach was as appreciative as ever for the energy and support.
"I think we are outstanding as a club. If I look around, we have the best fans, they’re always travelling in big numbers. It gives the team so much. I know the girls appreciate it. They are privileged to be able to share this with so many people. I think that's fantastic."
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