Liverpool FC Women round-up with latest on Matt Beard's replacement and big matches on the horizon
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Interim manager Amber Whiteley of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Melwood Training Centre on February 28, 2025(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It's been a week now since Matt Beard's surprise departure as manager of Liverpool FC Women, but the Reds have little time to dwell as interim boss Amber Whiteley prepares the side for three huge games in the coming weeks.
The first of which is an FA Cup tie away at Arsenal on Sunday, before the Reds entertain bitter rivals Manchester United under the lights at Anfield on Friday, March 14. Then it's another trip to Arsenal in the WSL the following week.
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And after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace saw Liverpool climb to sixth in the WSL table last weekend, the Reds will be hoping to make a statement or two over the coming weeks.
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Whiteley pays tribute to staff after Beard departure
Amber Whiteley paid tribute to her staff in her weekly column after a difficult transition was eased by that 1-0 victory at Palace.
And Whiteley, who has promised Liverpool will go on the front foot at Arsenal on Sunday, says her assistants have "worked round the clock" to prepare the team.
She said: "Finally, I would like to pay a special tribute to the staff who have helped me so much.
"Honestly, I could not have done it without the staff. They have all been absolutely brilliant. We have all worked pretty much around the clock to get the work pulled together which we delivered to the players on Friday.
"The way that all the staff have pulled together has been absolutely brilliant and I would not have been able to do it without them, so huge thanks to all the staff.
"We’ve got a brilliant group, good people and really talented people as well."
Whiteley wants permanent role
This isn't Amber Whiteley's first rodeo when it comes to managing Liverpool Women.
Indeed, a former head coach of the U21s and technical director at the LFC Women Regional Talent Club, Whiteley managed the club in the wake of Vicky Jepson's 2021 departure before Matt Beard returned as manager.
And with experience at Sunderland, the FA and with the Republic of Ireland national team, Whiteley believes she can prove herself a strong candidate for the permanent manager role at Liverpool when the position is assessed at the end of the season.
"I will put my name in the hat," she said last week. "The recruitment process has already started.
"When these opportunities come about, you have to stand up and show exactly what you are capable of. It's really important to do that and to do that as a female coach too.
"There are always mixed emotions when a manager leaves a club. It's never an easy thing to go through."
Tickets still on sale for Liverpool vs Man Utd
Liverpool Women are hoping for a bumper crowd when they entertain Manchester United Women a week on Friday, with it being the first time the Reds have played under the lights at Anfield.
United have enjoyed an impressive season so far, winning their past seven league matches and losing just once all season, to leaders Chelsea. They currently sit second and Liverpool, four places below their bitter rivals, will hope a big atmosphere can help them on the night.
Tickets are just £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £4 for under-16s. They remain on sale with discounts for larger purchases here.