Renee Slegers sat down for her pre-Everton press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday.
Looking ahead to Friday night’s trip to Merseyside, she shared her thoughts on the Toffees, the latest team news and more.
Here’s everything she had to say on the following subjects.
**on the latest team news:**
Same players available at the moment, we have one more training to go.
**on the mood in the camp since our defeat in the FA Cup:**
Very disappointing. Not what we wanted, not the performance we wanted at all. Players were angry on Monday and we want to do better as a collective moving forward. But we can't impact that anymore, it's behind us and we want to look forward. That's on Friday, a very important game against Everton in the league. We know we're still active in the Champions League as well, so we have a big month coming up.
**on inappropriate comments aimed at Taylor Hinds:**
It's obviously not what we want in society at all and not in our women's football context. So I think it's good it's called out and from what I understood, Liverpool and Arsenal are investigating. I think what Taylor did was the right thing.
**on our mindset to be successful in two competitions:**
I don't think it poses a different challenge. I think all games that we've been playing so far, all competitive games, have been very important for us. And it will continue like that for the rest of the season. So we know that all games we're going to play are going to be very important games for us.
**on if silverware is on the cards for us this season:**
I do. We have two competitions where we're still active and we want to push in everything. And to go and get silverware because that's very important for the club.
**on what to anticipate from Everton:**
They are a challenging team. They're one of the most unpredictable tactically. So we'll have to be prepared. It was 0-0 at home. I think we did a lot of things quite well in that game. We just didn't score. They've recruited new players. I think they're strong at the moment. They're strong at their home ground. So we know it's a big challenge. But obviously we also believe in what we're doing. I watched training today on the pitch and we look like ourselves again. So that's very positive.
**on our problem-solving mentality:**
It's very important. It's important for us in games to solve the problem that's in front of us. We can all agree that we didn't succeed last Sunday. So then it's about what do we need to focus on and emphasise moving forward. We need to leave the emotions from last Sunday behind us and look at it more objectively and constructively. I think we did that. We had good meetings on Monday. We had a day off yesterday and came back in. I feel like the whole staff and players are refreshed and looking forward and energised today. So that's very positive
**on how Daphne is doing after conceding against Liverpool:**
Daphne has been great for us. I think that goal was very unlucky. I think that's part of football, that it's unpredictable and things can happen. Unfortunately, they got the goal that way. Daphne has saved us so many times. So she's been very important for us. I know Seb, our goalkeeper coach, has had a very constructive conversation with her. So she shouldn't be too hard on herself. I know all players are because all players want to try and impact what they can impact, what's within their control. She's been very good for us. She's saved us many times.
**on what she’s seen from us this season when bouncing back from defeat:**
I think the way we came back earlier in the season from disappointing results has been very positive. I think how we came back in-game against West Ham was very positive. I think this one was hard on us because we see that we leave the FA Cup competition. You could see the response from the players. They were very angry, disappointed. They wanted more. I see that in a positive way because I think those emotions and that frustration can lead to motivation. That's what I saw today because we were off yesterday and we're back in. I think we all look refreshed. It was one of the better sessions I've had so far here. The girls were determined to show something better and I am as well.
**on what success looks like to us now:**
I think from the inside and the process we're in, it would be building a winning culture. There's much to it. It's on a daily basis. What actions and behaviours we do day-to-day. But then, of course, a successful season for the club would be prizes at the end of the season.
**on if more needs to be done to protect players:**
I think what happened during the game \[the spectator being removed\] was the right thing. I think the action that was taken was right. I think all we can do now afterwards is look at the event that happened, investigate and try to get it right. Make sure to create a culture and an environment around our games where it hopefully doesn't happen again.
**on Gareth Taylor leaving Manchester City:**
I think they've had some good results lately. Obviously, they have some players away with injuries as well. I wasn't expecting it, but that's only from the outside. I don't know what's happening on the inside. Obviously, it's always sad to see people go because I know how hard work it is. I just want to say I wish Gareth all the best in the future.
**on what Katie McCabe brings to the team:**
She's a very versatile player. I think in her position, she can play different roles. She understands the game really well. She's really good with her positioning. Obviously, a great left foot. She's a winner. She wants to do everything to win and sometimes comes at a cost as well. She's a great athlete, a great professional. She adds to the team. Like I said, there are a lot of other players in their ways adding to the team. I think we try to play every player and every individual to their strengths, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.
**on how Everton have had an upturn in form:**
I think you see it, but that's what they've done all season. You see them change between systems. I think it looks like what Brian is trying to do is to play them to their strengths and adjust to opposition. I think that's a real strength of them. I think they've got it right now lately. But then, of course, like you mentioned, they brought in some new players that are really contributing for them as well.
**on why we’ve had tight games with them in recent years:**
I think what they do, but more and more teams in the WSL, I think they shift well between an aggressive press. They recognise when they want to press as a team, but they're also very comfortable and disciplined when they defend their own goal and end up in a low block. I think that's a strength of them. I think we have to try and break that down on Friday.
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