Howard: We'll Maintain Intensity In Training
- Sophie Howard says LCFC Women will be 100 per cent focused on their pre-match preparation following the team’s move to Belvoir Drive
- The Foxes are currently top of the FA Women’s Championship after 11 matches
- City next entertain Sheffield United on Sunday at Farley Way Stadium (2pm GMT kick-off)
Germany-born Howard, who represents Scotland at international level, spoke highly of the training facilities now available to the Foxes as they resume their FA Women’s Championship campaign later this week.
With preparations for their clash with Sheffield United at Farley Way Stadium well underway, Howard explained why LCFC Women are determined to flourish in 2020/21.
She told LCFC TV: “[I'm] excited to be back with the girls, back as a team and we've all obviously spent Christmas separately, so it's always special to come back together and then to come back to these facilities is obviously massive.
“Having a training ground for yourself is just a foundation, maybe some groundwork, but the stuff on the pitch doesn't change.
“The intensity of training, the quality of training, still has to be high, and we've managed that, and we've managed to perform on the pitch, so that's why we're top of the league.
“All these external factors… analysis, is going to be easier, but as I said, the stuff on the pitch doesn't change, so we'll still have to be massively focused, 100 per cent prepared for any opposition.”
With LCFC Women topping their division at Christmas, Howard says her side have been able to enjoy their downtime over the festive break, and are now eager to build on their fine form this campaign.
“You can imagine there’s a lot of excitement, I think a lot of confidence, which is good,” Howard continued. “We just need to make sure we stay level headed and down to earth because being top of the league at Christmas doesn't get you promoted or anywhere.
“Sheffield United is a tough opponent, so we are going to go into this game 100 per cent prepared, even though we are probably the ones that are being chased, the ones with the target on the back, I think you can't ever underestimate anyone.
“It will be a tough game, we're fully aware of that. But that's why we're going to prepare 100 per cent for this game and go into this game with confidence, but also with respect for [Sheffield United].
“I think it's natural if you're top of the league that you have this target. I don't think we can help that, we can’t change that, we're just going to focus on our game and how other people perceive us, that's up to them.”