Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor has challenged his players to try and win every match between now and the end of the season, starting with Sunday's WSL derby clash with Manchester United.
City host Marc Skinner's side at the Etihad Stadium, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, before making the short trip to face United again in the League Cup on Wednesday evening, ahead of a WSL away match at Aston Villa in the early kick-off to the match. next weekend.
Taylor has no qualms about the busy schedule and is convinced his side must win every WSL match in the second half of the season to have a chance of closing out champions Chelsea, who are six points clear of second-placed City at the top . from the table.
“We have to win every game in the second half of the season, it's as simple as that – and yet it probably won't guarantee you the WSL title, but we'll see,” Taylor told Sky Sports News.
“We're playing three games in six days, which is tough for any team, and on top of that – with the injuries we have – two Manchester derbies which are tough and intense games, which you don't expect to be like that.” physically easy.
“It's the same for everyone, for everyone who is in the position we are in in the second half of the season. We're all about it and it's about winning, because the alternative is that we no longer have any competition.
“It will be very difficult to be forced into three games, but that's fine. I think it's very good for us. You just want that momentum in matches, it's hard to be really consistent, it's hard to win consecutively.
“But we know we are capable. We know it is difficult, but that is the challenge: to win every game in the second half of the season. Our mentality has to be to win every game.”
Manchester United boss Skinner said he expects to rotate his squad for the double-header with City. Brazilian forward Geyse has been placed on personal leave and will miss this weekend's match due to a tragedy in her family.
“I think there will be some rotation in both games,” said Skinner, whose side are just one point behind City heading into Sunday's derby.
“I think there will be different strategies to bring people in at different times and keep the freshness.
“We also know how good Manchester City are, so to maintain freshness there will certainly be adjustments to the game. I have no doubt about that.”
Returning players could play a key role in the Manchester derby
Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh:
In terms of injuries, it hasn't been the easiest season for either Manchester club. Manchester City has seen absences for Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw and Alex Greenwood. Manchester United also had to make do without Ella Toone.
But the good news is that Miedema and Toone have returned to action, scoring goals. Both scored in FA Cup action this weekend, with the Man Utd midfielder scoring a fantastic goal.
Both players can change the game whether they start or not, and can play a key role in turning the game in their side's favor in what could be a tight battle.
There is currently one point separating them in the table. Man Utd are currently outside the top three on goal difference but could surpass their city rivals with a win this weekend. Man City will also want to keep pace with Chelsea at the top as they hope to mount a title challenge in 2025.
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