We're Dealing With Pressure, Says Kirk
- LCFC Women drew 2-2 with Manchester City in the Continental Tyres League Cup
- Janice Cayman and Sophie Howard found the net at Joie Stadium
- The Foxes won 4-3 on penalties to secure the extra point
- Leicester have five points from two games in Group B
After picking up a point against Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women’s Super League at the weekend, the Foxes earned two points from their trip to Manchester on Wednesday evening, with a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes followed by a dramatic 4-3 shootout success.
Two quick-fire first half goals from Janice Cayman and Sophie Howard saw the visitors take the lead at Joie Stadium, before the Citizens dragged themselves back into the game courtesy of Deyna Castellanos and Laura Coombs. However, Kirk's side came out on top from 12 yards, with Jutta Rantala, Aileen Whelan, Hannah Cain and Howard all finding the net.
“I’m really pleased,” the Manager stated. “The two points are great but three would’ve been better. We wanted to find a better way to deal with the pressure, compared to what we’ve doing in the last two games.
“I think we could’ve done better but we’ve certainly learned a lot and you could see the team dealt with it much better tonight.
“It’s great progress, to come here and play a team like that and go toe to toe with them. We were deserved of our lead at half-time. And the team showed great resilience to lose their lead but go on to win on penalties.”
Leicester have looked a new side this year, taking the game to the league’s top sides and taking points from places that they previously wouldn’t have done. With five points from two games in Group B, the former Everton manager is hopeful of qualification in the League Cup and is proud of how far the team have come.
Kirk continued: “I think the players are very well conditioned to keep up that pressure for 90 minutes, so to say that they get tired is giving them an out which isn’t what I want to give them.
“Last year we did it, and this season we have a much better and fitter state. There were no expectations on us last year, and there is now so it’s about dealing with that pressure. Nights like this, where we do get through it will make us a much stronger unit.
“When you’re trying to turn the expectations of the players that were here last year, it is difficult, but they’re getting through it as a group and they’re showing that development as a team.
“We said that if we were going to draw, that we wanted to take the bonus point because that could make the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.”
Dutch shot-stopper Lize Kop made her first appearance for the Club since joining during the summer, and despite conceding twice, showed the exceptional talent she brings to the Club, and praise was awarded to the Dutch shot-stopper.
Kirk: Much Better Performance
Manager Willie Kirk reacts to LCFC Women's penalty shootout win against Manchester City in the Continental Tyres League Cup.
However, both ‘keepers deserve appreciation as Janina Leitzig, who has started every City match previously this season, came on to save three of the Citizens’ six penalties to ensure victory in the shootout.
“Lize Kop was excellent tonight,” Kirk voiced. “She could play outfield for most teams with her distribution, and she’s been excellent. She needed that after missing the start of the season with injury.
“We always think about what’s the best thing for the team, and that was to bring on Janina for the shootout. She was great, but so was Lize’s reaction, it really shows the togetherness as a goalkeeper union.
“It’s going to be really tough if both ‘keepers stay fit because they’ll both be deserving game time, but that’s the type of headache that you want as a manager.”