- LCFC Women will face Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League
- Sunday’s match-up at King Power Stadium has a 3pm kick-off
- Willie Kirk says his side will play without fear this weekend
- Tickets for Sunday’s match can be purchased HERE
On Friday afternoon, the manager spoke to the media during a press conference at Belvoir Drive and provided an in-depth analysis ahead of Leicester's meeting with the Toffees.
Manchester United defeat
Last time out in the Barclays Women’s Super League, the Foxes were beaten by Manchester United 5-1 at Leigh Sports Village, with Remy Siemsen scoring the consolation goal.
After a resounding loss against the league leaders, the manager has been keen to install some confidence back in his squad prior to facing Everton this weekend.
“We were a little bit timid in our approach to the Man Utd game,” Kirk explained during Friday’s press conference. “We never properly committed to what we were trying to do. We weren’t aggressive enough, which we’ve found to be the case in most games against the top four this season, which I think is down to mentality.
“It’s not our lack of ability, but instead a mental barrier against those at the top. Barring Manchester City in the Continental Tyres League Cup, it’s almost like we feel we don’t belong on the same pitch as those players.
“Other games like Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, and even West Ham United, we have proved we should be competing in the WSL but there’s just an obstacle against the top four.
“I can play my part in it, to try and install some confidence and belief, and when we do commit to our game plan we get the reward, like with Remy [Siemsen’s] goal last weekend. We just need to reinforce those positive moments, keeping our standard high to make sure we play with pride to represent the Club properly.”
Sunday’s opponents
Looking ahead to this weekend, City face a side currently six spaces above them, but while the former Everton manager was keen to commend the job being produced by his ex-employers, he has also noticed areas which Leicester hope to exploit.
“Everton are a team who play with quite a unique set-up,” the 44-year-old continued. "They’ve got two or three different formations which they play, and I think it’s obvious they work quite hard on their build up.
“They have got different solutions, and players who play in different roles for them so I think they will cause problems which we need to be aware of, but despite the recent weather conditions, I believe we’ve had a good week of preparation.
“We’ll certainly be setting up to win the game, but I think a team like Everton who have showed so many different sides this year, have also showed a bit of inconsistency. In their games, when they get it right, they look really good, but there are areas where they are still trying to figure out what works best, which we’ll be looking to capitalise on.”
The league table
Having achieved six points since the new year, the Foxes are now only two points behind Brighton, who face Manchester City in their next fixture. Therefore a win on Filbert Way could see the hosts leapfrog the south coast side, but Kirk stated he still prefers to focus on internal targets.
He added: “I don’t think we’ll have any problems in the next block of games because we don’t play any of those top teams, and as much as Everton are a good side, there won’t be any fear on the pitch come Sunday.
“We’ve certainly got a period of games now leading into the next international break where we feel we should be competitive and taking points.
“Getting out of the relegation zone will be extremely positive, and a massive boost to the players. Even though I tell them not to look at the league table, I have no doubt that they probably do.
“We have our own league table, which shows what we’ve achieved since the turn of the new year, but I’m sure they still look at the one on Sky Sports, so they’ll get a boost should we lift ourselves off bottom spot.”
Brian Sørensen's impact
Against a club who he spent three years with, between 2018 and 2021, Kirk is looking forward to seeing some old friends this weekend, but confirms that the most important thing will be what happens during the 90 minutes.
“I think the job that Brian Sørensen has done so far has been excellent.” The Scotsman stated. “They play with a real attractive style of play, with a good group of technicians who move the ball really well.
“We went to a few UEFA Women's Champions League games together in Denmark in my previous role. I think he’s brought a real identity back to the club after a difficult season last year.
“Apart from two of my best mates playing in the opposite dugout, which never happens, it will feel like a normal game. I’m sure I’ll be able to block that out and keep that out of my mind until after the game. For me it’s just another three points and even though there will be a lot of well-known faces to me, there’s still a match to be played which we intend to fight hard in.”
All times GMT.