MAGDA ERIKSSON believes Conti Cup glory will fire Chelsea’s silverware hunt and push for a first Champions League crown.
Victory over Arsenal in the league cup final would see the Blues spoil their rival’s chance of a first trophy success since 2019.
The London giants will battle it out at Selhurst Park on Sunday with the Gunners aiming to avenge their FA Cup fifth-round loss to their rivals.
Eriksson insists Chelsea must focus to avoid a repeat of the League Cup final loss they suffered against Manchester City last term.
The Blues captain, 29, said: “We know it’s going to be a new game with new challenges.
“We just have to be ready and switched on because we lost the final last year. We don’t want a repeat.
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“We’ve had two tough games against Arsenal in the league and FA Cup.
“Last Sunday’s was tough and they had some chances, so I think they’re really strong.
“They’ve had a bit of a tough time with injuries and played really tough opponents as well.
“They are still a top team so we have to be ready.”
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Since a switch from Swedish side Linkoping in 2017, Eriksson has won ten trophies with the Blues including four league titles and two Conti Cups.
Her arrival coincided with Chelsea (and Manchester City) ending Arsenal’s dominance with the Gunners trophyless in the past three seasons.
Eriksson added: “We’re not shy about the fact that we love to win.
“That is why we have come far in a lot of competitions over the years.
“We have that drive and everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to win and to lift those trophies.
“It would be a very good energy boost to the team as we’re going into a tough period after this final.
“We have some really tough games and the Champions League.
“Getting that boost of the Conti Cup would be amazing. We’re going to give everything on Sunday.”
Chelsea were boosted by summer signings including Kadeisha Buchanan and the emergence of Lauren James.
James, 21, was on fire in the semis, netting as her side thrashed West Ham 7-0.
Eriksson said: “It is difficult to change clubs and come into a new culture.
“The new players have done really well and added experience especially Kadeisha.
“She has won pretty much everything!
“Lauren James’ development is amazing. She’s in a league of her own at the moment.
“It’s just been really fun to follow her and to see that when she stays injury free, how good she can actually be.
“This is just the beginning with her as well. It is an exciting time.”
Arsenal’s last four games have seen them score twice with the team shutout in league duels with West Ham.
Their two most recent goals have come in a loss and win against Man City in the league and Conti Cup semis.
Jonas Eidevall wants his aces to put a lack of goals out of their minds as they target a first trophy win under the head coach.
Eidevall, 40, said: “In football, the easiest thing to do is to say, ‘We have one problem in the last game, so now we focus 100% of our time on that.’
“Then inevitably, something else will become the problem.
“We need to work on everything. It’s a whole.
“It’s not only about executing chances; it’s still about creating chances.
“It’s still about defending, pressing and building up. Everything is connected in football.
“Are we encouraging players to finish so we make that a habit?
“Of course, we’ve put a little bit more emphasis on that. But that’s the only thing.”
The 3:00 pm final could be set for a record crowd turnout with 24,000 tickets issued before the game.
The current record attendance for the league cup final stands at 8,004.
And Eidevall is hoping for a large and loud Arsenal fan presence.
The head coach added: “Our team wants to do everything in our power to give that back to the supporters.
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“So I hope they come in large numbers.
“I hope they are as loud as always and as passionate about the game as we are.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
