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Post by Everton News. on Jan 30, 2020 23:34:18 GMT
In his latest column for evertonfc.com, Willie Kirk discusses the importance of building momentum as the Blues target a third straight victory, and how the surging interest in the women's game was highlighted at the Club's media day at USM Finch Farm...
As a squad, we’re in a really good place ahead of Sunday’s game at Brighton & Hove Albion.
It’s all about building momentum. We’ve won our past two games, against Reading and London Bees, having made changes to the starting XI, and there will probably be a couple of tweaks to the team this weekend.
We’ve got a few players unavailable but that’s not stopping any competition for places.
We beat Brighton 2-0 at Southport back in October and this part of the season is interesting because it’s the second time the teams have played each other. They know that little bit more about each other and some teams might think they have a point to prove and a score to settle, because they’ve lost the reverse fixture.
We need to make sure we prepare properly in terms of our organisation, especially on occasions when we turn over the ball, because Brighton can counter-attack quite well. They are very organised out of possession.
We need to be patient on the ball and wait for the right opportunities to come up, and make sure we’re clinical when we get chances. We know if we play to our ability, we can secure another three points and make it three straight wins.
We’ve got games coming thick and fast in February and, if we can build momentum, then that can give you another five or 10 per cent in your performances.
CUP PROGRESS
The players delivered a professional display in our 1-0 win against London Bees in the FA Cup last weekend. The opposition worked very, very hard and were well organised.
We probably should have had the game done and dusted quite a while before the final whistle, but we saw it through.
We’ve been drawn against Bristol City in the fifth round. They’re a fellow WSL side and you know they will be at a good level.
They have made a couple of impressive signings during the January window and they will probably be quite refreshed and confident.
The game will come at the end of a tough week for us – on the back of the Goodison derby against Liverpool and an away game at Spurs – but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
DERBY INTEREST SHOWS GROWTH OF OUR GAME
Ahead of next weekend’s Merseyside derby, the squad and I took part in a media day at USM Finch Farm on Wednesday.
I had eight or nine interviews myself, and it was very impressive just how much interest there is in the team and the derby match. It’s definitely a sign of progress.
For me, it’s part of the job. I think we’ve all got a joint responsibility to try to grow the game.
If that’s managing interviews and managing media requests, then it is something we will embrace and ensure we represent the Everton badge in a professional and positive way.
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Post by Everton News. on Feb 7, 2020 14:59:28 GMT
In his latest column for evertonfc.com, Willie Kirk discusses the significance of Sunday's clash with Liverpool at Goodison Park and the important role Evertonians can play in driving his team to victory...
Sunday’s historic Merseyside derby is almost upon us and it is a game the players and staff are relishing.
Up until this point, it will probably be the biggest day of my career.
Being in charge of a massive club at a ground as iconic and with as much history as Goodison will be special.
If we could mark the occasion with a victory, it will always be right up there with whatever I do in my managerial career.
We just need to make sure we get the right performance and result.
BLUES’ BACKING CRUCIAL
We’re hoping to get a big crowd on Sunday and that would be huge for us for a number of reasons.
It’s another showcase for the women’s game. We’re trying to grow the sport and Everton are massively playing their part in that.
It’s important for the players, too. They work so hard day in, day out, and to get a strong turnout on Sunday would be one of those rewards you want them to have.
Also, we’re moving to our new ground at Walton Hall Park soon, with our first game there against Manchester United on Sunday 23 February.
It’s just a mile from Goodison and we want to attract fans to come and watch us there.
If the players can deliver the type of performance they are capable of on Sunday, I know they will make every Everton supporter proud. Hopefully, that can help us grow our fanbase.
EMBRACING THE OCCASION
There is no getting away from it, Sunday is massive occasion, so why would we play it down? We’re playing at Goodison in a Merseyside derby.
Everybody’s family and friends are going to be there. We’re going to have thousands of Evertonians cheering us on.
It’s something I’m going to enjoy and that I want the players to enjoy.
Hopefully, they can use the energy that’s generated on the day to enhance their performances.
The potential of this team is huge. We’ve got a very young, talented group and our recruitment has been excellent.
We’re continuing to improve the squad and help the players improve every day.
I know our players have the character to rise to the occasion on Sunday. They are a fantastic group to work with and they’ll give everything for the badge.
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Post by Everton News. on Mar 12, 2020 23:52:54 GMT
WILLIE KIRK COLUMN: NEW EVERTON ERA PROVIDES PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS
In his latest column for evertonfc.com, Willie Kirk previews Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Chelsea at Walton Hall Park (2pm) and explains why a new leadership structure and increased investment for Everton Women will allow them to aim high...
BLUES' CUP BELIEF
To beat Chelsea on Sunday we have to be absolutely on top of our game.
We’ll need to be very good in one v one battles and be strong collectively. If you’re off the pace at all against Chelsea, they’ll come out on top.
We’ll probably need to put in our best performance of the season – but it’s a performance everybody here feels we’re capable of.
Ever since the start of the campaign, we said going to Wembley would be a big target for us. We need to win Sunday's game if that’s going to happen.
Nobody is shirking the challenge and everyone is looking forward to it.
And if we achieve a victory, it’ll be a big step forward in terms of our long-term development, too.
It will give us the belief that, not only can we compete with these top teams, but we can beat them on our day.
REFRESHED AND READY
We’ve had a lot of players away on international duty over the past fortnight, and it is great for them to receive that recognition from their countries.
The players who haven’t been away have been working very hard back at USM Finch Farm.
We’ve got some good individual development work in and the players have really pushed themselves in the sessions we’ve had.
We’ve had a nice balance in terms of putting that work in and having some time off and getting refreshed, and we’re all really looking forward to Sunday now.
We had the Goodison Sleepout, too. That was a big thing for the staff and players who joined supporters to sleep overnight at Goodison to raise funds for Everton in the Community.
It has raised more than £23,000 so far and will go towards Everton in the Community's 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' campaign, which supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It's a brilliant initiative and it was great to see the team and staff engage with it.
BIG AMBITIONS
Last week, the Club also announced Everton Women will benefit from increased squad investment and a new leadership structure as we aim to challenge for major honours.
The CEO, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, and the Board have put forward a structure that is going to strengthen us in terms of staff resource and expertise.
Our standards are fantastic and I think this will make us even more professional and allow us to operate at an even higher level.
It’s a very exciting time for Everton Women.
Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Jun 4, 2020 16:11:21 GMT
Willie Kirk says Everton have made significant headway in implementing a progressive, winning style of football at the Club, as he outlined how his Blues side can further improve.
Having shaped a youthful and dynamic squad during last summer’s transfer window, Kirk’s team were enjoying an impressive campaign before the 2019/20 season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Everton were in the midst of a fight for a top-six WSL finish and had reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Kirk believes his team’s increased defensive solidity has underpinned their progress in his 18 months as Toffees manager.
The Scot is convinced Everton can grow as an attacking force and, in turn, elevate their performance levels to new heights.
“We’ve got a very clear vision in terms of developing the way we play,” Kirk told evertonfc.com.
“You’ve got to get that balance between playing a certain style and getting results, and that’s something we’re constantly evolving.
“As a coaching staff, we came in [midway through the 2018/19 season] and were in a relegation battle. We had to make sure we got results.
“We probably had to give up some ideals to get those points on the board. We’ve developed a style of play this season a little bit closer to our ideals and we’ve managed to get results.
“Defensively, we’ve looked much better. We’ve got players at the back and a goalkeeper who have taken a lot of responsibility, and that’s given the midfielders and forwards more license to play.
“There are elements we’d like to improve on. I don’t think we created enough chances. We relied a lot on Chloe Kelly.
“Chloe had a fantastic season, and that was helped by the good work of her teammates defensively, and the freedom that we gave her as a coaching staff. We gave Chloe freedom to express herself.
"She’s paid us back with a terrific season, but I think we still need to create more chances and control games a little bit better with the ball.
“We’re eager to develop further next season - strengthen the squad but also put very strong, robust plans in place to make sure we improve the players we still have.”
Kirk says two displays during the 2019/20 campaign offered particular encouragement that his team were successfully getting to grips with his philosophy.
The Blues mixed defensive resilience with attacking flair in beating top-six rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in November and completely overwhelmed Bristol City in a 5-0 FA Cup triumph at Ashton Gate three months later.
“When we beat Spurs at home, I think that was probably our most complete performance,” Kirk said.
“With the Bristol City game, I think that had a lot to do with playing on that big stage at Ashton Gate.
“I think that suited us more than Bristol.
“In that game, we looked so dangerous. We looked very strong at the back, dangerous going forward and we played with composure and pace.
“They were two excellent performances in terms of performing when it matters.”
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Post by Everton News. on Jul 25, 2020 0:11:05 GMT
In his first column since the WSL campaign was cancelled, Willie Kirk discusses the decisive moves Everton Women have made in the transfer market, details the positive impact his new signings have already had at USM Finch Farm, and reveals his confidence the Toffees can build on the significant forward steps taken last season...
We returned to training at USM Finch Farm last week and it’s been great for the staff and players to get that bit of normality around our everyday working lives again.
The players are thankful to be getting touches on the ball and training in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than normal. We’re having a couple of weeks lead-in to what we would then class as our usual pre-season, which starts on Tuesday.
The players have responded really well to getting back onto the grass and being with their teammates again. They’ve been very positive.
They have been getting themselves used to some football movements after a long period away from the training ground – and then the real work starts on Tuesday.
DECISIVE ACTION
We’ve already signed four new players this summer in Poppy Pattinson, Ingrid Moe Wold, Nicoline Sorensen and Rikke Sevecke.
I don’t think you can underestimate how important it is to have the full squad together for pre-season.
The Club has been fantastic with its support.
I’m hugely appreciative of the work of Aaron Little, the General Manager, and Sarvar Ismailov, our Sporting and Commercial Director, in getting these deals done in a very timely and professional fashion.
We’re hoping to get one or two other signings over the line, too. We’re in a good place with the squad.
NEW ARRIVALS IMPRESSING
The new players have been great so far in training. They have already shown qualities we identified when signing them, in terms of their technical aspects, characteristics and mannerisms around the squad.
For example, Rikke [Sevecke] brings a quiet leadership. She is calm and she also has a real presence.
Ingrid [Moe Wold] comes with great experience and has settled in as if she’s been here for five years. Her technical qualities are fantastic.
Nico [Sorensen] has just joined us this week and we’ve seen good things from her already, particularly in terms of her two-footedness.
Poppy, being the youngest of the new recruits, probably took a week to fully settle in and we’re now starting to see her qualities coming through.
They are already mixing very well socially, too.
We have got a really good age structure in terms of the players we’re signing.
The acquisition of experience and youth is really important.
The players that were here when I came in 18 months ago have matured a lot over that time and are now ready to take their games onto the next level.
The competition for places will be fierce and that will only benefit us as a squad.
IMPLEMENTING OUR PLANS
This next period before competitive football gets under way will be focused on cementing our principles and style of play.
We laid a platform last season, finishing sixth in the WSL, and now we’ve got a group of players who can take it on to another level.
I think it’s been quite clear our style has developed over the past 18 months and our principles are always evolving. We want to make sure we’re getting the best out of every individual, maximising what we want from the team.
I’m confident we’re in a good place to improve further from last season and we can't wait for it all to begin once again.
Everton FC
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