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      Gareth Taylor targets Manchester City title win before retirement of WSL heroine Steph Houghton

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      GARETH TAYLOR hopes Manchester City can give Steph Houghton a title-winning send-off before her retirement. The head coach expects City will look into ways to honour the former England skipper, 35, who will hang up her boots at the end of this season.Gareth Taylor says Steph Houghton has made a “huge contribution” off the pitch to Man City’s efforts this seasonCredit: AlamyCity are hoping to win the WSL title for the first time since Houghton and her team-mates won it back in 2016Credit: ReutersTaylor was sharing his thoughts following Houghton calling time on a playing career spanning more than 20 years.The City heroine’s announcement on Wednesday of her plans to retire at the end of the season, prompted tributes from past and present players and managers from across the sport.Houghton, whose career includes spells at Arsenal and Leeds, began her senior playing journey at club level at Sunderland.The centre-back, who has won 15 domestic trophies including three Women Super League has played in 241 Man City games across all contests since 2014.Read More Football StoriesHowever this term Houghton, who hopes to help her side win their first Women’s Super League title in eight years, has made three top-flight appearances.  City boss Taylor, whose side play Liverpool this lunchtime, said: “If we didn’t have enough motivation to win it, now because of Steph, we do.“This season has been different for her with less playing time, but her contribution has been huge, she’s helped me and the staff so much.“We always want to recognise the greats and Steph’s right up there.Most read in Football“I’m sure maybe not immediately but further down the line we’ll get to honour her in the right way.”With Chelsea in Conti Cup action tomorrow, a City away win against the Reds would see them go three points clear at the WSL’s summit before the international break.An away win against Liverpool would see Man City go top of the WSL ahead of the international breakCredit: GettyTaylor added: “We know what we have in front of us, but also (that this is) a good opportunity to be clear at the top with Chelsea not playing. “Then all of a sudden, it’s them chasing us.“It’s going to be hard for us, but what an incentive.” More

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      Guro Reiten reckons Chelsea’s duels with Arsenal are the ‘best games to win – but the worst to lose’

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      GURO REITEN insists Chelsea are ready to “run through a brick wall” for Emma Hayes as they chase a quadruple trophy triumph. And the Blues star, 29, says duels with their Conti Cup final rivals Arsenal are the best to win – but the worst if they end in defeat. Guro Reiten hopes Chelsea can avenge their loss to Arsenal in last year’s Conti Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Gunners won the trophy for a sixth time when they beat the Blues 3-1 at Selhurst Park last MarchCredit: GettyChelsea’s most recent triumph in a Conti Cup final was back in 2021 when they trounced Bristol City 6-0Credit: GettyTomorrow the Norway forward’s team will take on Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners in a battle to lift this year’s Continental Tyres trophy.The 3:00pm clash at Wolves’ Molineux home will be the first chance for either side to win silverware this term.It will also be the final opportunity for the team to attempt to win the contest for a third time under Hayes.After 12 years at the helm, their boss, 47, will leave Chelsea at the end of this season to take charge of the USA Women’s national side.Read More Football StoriesTo date the Women’s Super League leaders have won 15 trophies under their manager.And Reiten insists she and her team-mates always have their eyes on the prize when it comes to chasing silverware.The versatile forward said: “We just stay in the moment and do our jobs, but the motivation for winning trophies is always there and it has always been there.”I don’t think we’ve spent too much time thinking about Emma leaving.Most read in Sport”If you ask anyone in our team, they want to win everything. “I don’t think we need more (motivation). I don’t know if you can get more motivation to win a trophy.”With every game we play now, the pressure is there. We have to win.”Reiten, whose senior club career began with Sunndal, a local team based in the Norwegian county she was born in, has notched up more than 150 Blues appearances. Since her May 2019 transfer from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner for a reported £13,000 fee, Chelsea have won 10 major trophies including four league titles.The Blues ace, whose mother coached her to play in multiple positions during her childhood, credits Hayes with continually raising standards in Chelsea’s performances.She adds: “Emma demands so much from us every single day, raising our standards.”She says, what was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough tomorrow, it’s kind of her thing.”With this league, the level is so much higher, and you need to take steps to just be a part of this team.”But Emma is honest, she will tell me what I need to do better.”She wants to see the effort, the energy and everything put into it.”Everyone is willing to go through a brick wall for her.”We want to be better as individuals, but also as a team. “And even though there have been challenges and tough times, we have that mentality.”Among the challenges the two-time League Cup winners have faced this term are injuries to a few senior players including skipper Millie Bright and star striker Sam Kerr.The team are also without forward Mia Fishel and defender Aniek Nouwen. The duo, like Kerr, are currently sidelined by anterior cruciate knee ligament injuries.And these circumstances have led Chelsea to rely on the strength in depth of their squad during a run of 16 wins from 19 games. It means a lot to beat Arsenal. They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take the trophy back.Guro Reiten Results that followed a hefty 4-1 December loss to Arsenal in the league.Reiten adds: “There are so many good players in our team. “This year with injuries and with new players coming in, you just have to adapt to whoever you’re playing with. “They are all different with different qualities.”The build-up to tomorrow’s duel is almost a rerun of last year’s Conti Cup final lead-in.And like then Chelsea will enter this game following an earlier win against Arsenal in a major contest. Reiten’s team-mate Catarina Macario is among the players who have shone for Chelsea in the second half of this seasonCredit: PATheir 3-1 defeat of Gunners this month dented their rivals’ hopes of a first WSL title win since 2019.Reiten said: “They’re probably going to come to the final and want revenge for that.”It means a lot to beat Arsenal. It’s the best game to win and the worst one to lose.”They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take that trophy back.”But it’s always intense, tight games against them. “It’s like when you play a team and then two weeks later, you’re going to play them again.”It’s about who’s going to change it up who’s going to do something different. It’s going to be interesting to see.”Over the course of her Chelsea career Reiten has emerged as an influential figure on and off the pitch for the WSL giants.Her deft touch in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg draw with Ajax set up the first Blues goal in the contest for record signing Mayra Ramirez.And the forward enjoys being a role model for younger Blues players as well as contending with the pressure of winning trophies and retaining titles.Reiten (pictured with Mayra Ramirez) is eager to see Chelsea maintain their winning form across all competitions with the team reaching the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: EPAShe said: “It’s weird because I feel like it’s just become a part of me. With every game we play now, the pressure is there.”We have to win, we need to score goals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know if I’m thinking about it the same way I did a few years ago, where I was more nervous and more stressed about it.”Now it’s like, ‘this is this is just us, this is our job’. More

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      Leicester women’s manager SACKED after probe into alleged relationship with own player

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      LEICESTER have sacked their women’s team manager Willie Kirk following an investigation into an alleged relationship with a player.Ex-Everton boss Kirk, 45, had been suspended since March 8 while the investigation was being conducted by the club.Willie Kirk was suspended during the investigation but has now reportedly been sackedCredit: GettyAssistant Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby have taken over during Kirk’s absence since March 9. During that time Leicester reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals following a 2-0 quarters win against Liverpool. However the team have lost their last two Women’s Super League games against Tottenham and Brighton. And the club have now parted ways with the Edinburgh-born coach following an “extensive internal disciplinary process”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club can confirm that Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position as LCFC Women Manager.”Following an extensive internal disciplinary process and respecting the Club’s obligations to individual privacy, Willie was determined to have breached the team’s code of conduct to a degree that makes his position untenable.”Established and implemented ahead of the start of the current season, the code forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to professionalising the women’s game since the takeover of LCFC Women in 2020, promoting a performance-led culture among players, coaches and technical staff.””First Team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be led by Jennifer Foster, supported by Stephen Kirby, while the Club begins the process of appointing a new permanent manager.”Most read in FootballKirk’s departure comes almost two months after Sheffield ended Jonathan Morgan’s reign as their women’s team boss. The Blades’ dismissal of Morgan followed information coming to light concerning an alleged relationship with a player during his tenure as Leicester boss, before the team became affiliated with the men’s club.Aston Villa gaffer Carla Ward, whose team host Leicester on Saturday, believes relationships between footballers and their managers should be a sackable offence.Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall described them as “very inappropriate”, while he called on football authorities, clubs and associations to address safeguarding.Football icons’ strange hobbiesAnd Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman also shared her concerns on the issue, stating the need for “regulations” to be introduced. Kirk began his football management career as an assistant academy coach at Scottish Livingstone in 2006.Following a four-year spell as Under-17s coach at Hibernian, he moved to England to work in women’s football as manager of Bristol City.After a stint as Casey Stoney’s assistant at Man United and a three-year reign at Everton Women’s boss Kirk arrived at Leicester in July 2022 as director of football.He then replaced Lydia Bedford as manager that November and has held the position ever since.They were on a six-match pointless run when he took charge but he helped them to beat the drop and guided them to a 10th place finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESKirk is yet to comment publicly regarding the allegations.Leicester sit ninth in the WSL, 10 points above the league’s relegation spot with five games remaining. More

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      Erin Cuthbert insists Chelsea aces will all have ‘moments’ to shine as Blues target Champions League progress

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes knows how to bring out “the animal” in her performances on the pitch.And the Chelsea star, 25, says believes all her Blues team-mates will have a role to play in their quadruple trophy chase.Erin Cuthbert says Chelsea will need every player to contribute with games coming thick and fast in their bid to win four major trophiesCredit: AlamyA win or draw against Ajax this evening will Chelsea set up a semi-final duel with Barcelona or SK BrannCredit: GettyThis evening they take on Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League quarters duel.The Women’s Super League leaders, who hope to win the contest for the first time, are carrying a 3-0-win advantage from the first leg.Cuthbert, who rifled home a stunning shot from distance in a 2-0 defeat of West Ham on Sunday, hopes to produce goals against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.Ahead of the game against the Irons Hayes spoke of the midfielder’s team-mate Sjoeke Nusken being more of a natural goal scorer.Read More Football Stories In response to her gaffer’s remarks, Cuthbert said: “Emma knows how to get at me, that’s for sure.”She knows how to provoke me and find a little bit of an animal inside me and she knows that as well. She knows how to wind me up.”But Sjoeke has been in brilliant form as well and that’s important to say. We’ve needed her at this time of the season.”I think everyone’s going to have their moments. Sunday was mine and Aggie’s (Beever-Jones’) moment.”Most read in Football“The week before it was Sjoeke and we need everyone to contribute over this period especially when we’ve got so many games.”Following their loss to Chelsea last Tuesday Ajax have maintained their winning form in the Netherlands’ women’s top-flight.The Amsterdam side are currently second in the Eredevisie and four points behind FC Twente after a run of 14 wins and three draws in 18 games.Suzanne Bakker’s players come into tonight’s match off the back of a 3-2 defeat of Zwolle in their league, with Romee Leuchter netting a hat-trick.Prior to their quarter-final tie with the Blues Ajax captain Sherida Spitse, 33, spoke of the need for Ajax to playing without fear of making mistakes.The Netherlands midfielder, who has made 73 top tier appearances for her club said: “I say to the team every time in training, and before games, you are here because you are good.”Of course, sometimes things are going wrong in the game.”You can make mistakes, but you need to ask for ball again, if you don’t do that, then you get scared.”Emma Hayes expects Chelsea’s opponents will be aggressive on the pitch with the Dutch club facing a last eight exit.Should the Blues triumph this evening it will be their sixteenth win out of 17 games across all competitions dating back to December 17.It would also see them pick up their third victory across all contests in eight days.While Chelsea are due to battle Arsenal for the final of this year’s Conti Cup this Sunday, Hayes’ players are fully focused on tonight’s match.The Blues boss said: “We only play one game at a time. I’m not thinking about Sunday.Sjoeke Nusken was among the scorers in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat of Ajax last time outCredit: Getty”We know Ajax are going to come out to and be aggressive, we’re expecting and that they have to.”This is a competition where only one team advances, so we’re prepared for the aggression from the opponent and their learnings.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’re a good side and it’s important for us to keep all of our focus and attention on this.”Chelsea vs Ajax can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube from 8:00pm this evening. More

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      England boss Sarina Wiegman ‘surprised’ by Arsenal game in Australia in May ahead of Women’s Euros qualifiers

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being surprised by Arsenal’s May trip to Australia during a “complicated calendar” of football fixtures.The Lionesses chief, 54, believes it could be a “hard one to take” for Gunners’ England aces and other players ahead of Euros qualifiers. Sarina Wiegman questions whether Arsenal’s European internationals will have enough time to be prepare for Euros qualifiers following the Gunners’ trip to AustraliaCredit: GettyArsenal players are scheduled to play an exhibition match against Allstars team in Melbourne on May 24Credit: GettyThe visit for Arsenal, whose stars includes England quartet Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy, will entail the WSL side playing an exhibition match in Melbourne.The game for the Gunners, whose squad includes Australia internationals, is scheduled for May 24. It will take place seven days before the Lionesses’ Euros qualifier duel with France at St James’s Park.In February the England Women’s boss highlighted the need for match scheduling to be looked at to ensure players have adequate rest between seasons.Read More Football Stories Of Arsenal’s planned trip Down Under, Wiegman said: “I think for all the players with an already complicated calendar, it’s not good for them to go to the other side of the world very short term, not having time to adapt and play a game against France home and away.”But I would say that’s not only for the England players, that’s for every European player that goes into qualifiers.”That’s the thing that will be hard for them to take and to perform at the highest level.”We had conversations already with Arsenal about the summer and those have been very good conversations.Most read in Football”We’re on the same page and of course, we all think about how to get players fit and fresh to compete, but also give them rest in this complex calendar.”Wiegman was speaking to reporters shortly after naming her squad for the Lionesses first two Euros qualifiers taking place next month.The reigning Euros champs play Sweden at Wembley on Friday 5 April before facing the Republic of Ireland away the following Tuesday.While centre-back Millie Turner retained her spot there was no return to the squad for her fellow Man United defender Maya Le Tissier. Wiegman’s 23-strong group includes Arsenal centre-back Williamson who captained England during their triumphant run in the 2022 Women’s EurosThe Gunners star hopes to make her long-awaited international return after withdrawing from February’s camp due to a hamstring injury.Williamson’s last appearance in an England shirt was back in April last year when Wiegman’s side beat Brazil at Wembley in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima.Of Williamson’s return, the head coach said: “She’s recovered really well, and it didn’t take too long, so that was good and now she’s getting into rhythm.”Of course, she hasn’t played that many games yet, but she’s getting there, and she needs the minutes now.”Squad announcement aside Wiegman shared her views regarding the issues to player-coach relationships within women’s football.Leicester City manager Willie Kirk is currently being investigated by the club amid an allegation of player-coach relationship.Earlier this month managers of Women’s Super League sides were asked about the issue with Aston Villa’s Carla stating such relationships should be a sackable offence.Wiegman was asked if football authorities or NewCo the organisation set to take oversee the WSL, should introduce rules preventing player-coach relationships,Leah Williamson could be set to make her England return when the Lionesses face Sweden at Wembley in AprilCredit: GettyShe said: “I think it’s common sense and we all know if we are in this environment that it’s really inappropriate.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we all take (on) our responsibility, then things wouldn’t happen. “But when it happens too often, then you need regulations. I will leave that to others.” More

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      ‘Did you forget your socks again?’, ask fans as Arsenal kick-off DELAYED for second straight match after Chelsea blunder

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      ARSENAL fans were left bitterly frustrated after they suffered ANOTHER delay to a Women’s Super League fixture.Jonas Eidevall’s side pushed back their London derby with Chelsea by 30 minutes earlier this month after bringing the wrong COLOUR SOCKS to the game.Another of Arsenal Women’s fixtures was delayed on Sunday eveningCredit: GettyThey were then forced to purchase black socks from Chelsea’s megastore, before they suffered a 3-1 defeat.Now they have endured yet another delay due to travel disruption ahead of their trip to Aston Villa.The WSL giants were scheduled to kick off at 6.45pm, but that was pushed back to 7.30pm because of Arsenal’s late arrival time.A statement read: “We can confirm that today’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture between Aston Villa and Arsenal will now kick off at 7.30pm.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”This decision has been taken due to travel disruption affecting our arrival time.”We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters by the late change in timings.”Despite the explanation, some fans were quick to joke it could have been another sock issue, while others ripped into them delaying a second consecutive match.One social media user said: “Villa club shop fresh out of socks, so the search had to be widened, delaying arrival?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile another added: “Did u forget your socks again?”A third replied: “Last week sockgate, this week travel issues, what’s gonna be the delay next week?”I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024And a fourth responded: “This is embarrassing!”Arsenal come into the clash with Villa nine points adrift of WSL leaders Chelsea.Manchester City were knocked off top spot on goal difference on Sunday after Chelsea’s 2-0 win over West Ham sent Emma Hayes’ defending champions back to the summit. More

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      ‘I want to win every game and Manchester City style suits my character’, says WSL ace Leila Ouahabi

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      LEILA OUAHABI is uncertain if a celebratory tattoo will be on the cards if she helps Manchester City win a WSL title this season.For the left-back it’s a case of “maybe or maybe not” with her focus being on their club chasing their first league crown under Gareth TaylorLeila Ouahabi hopes to help Man City will their first Women’s Super League in eight yearsCredit: PAA defeat of Man United would see Ouahabi’s side go top in the WSL ahead of Chelsea’s game against West HamCredit: GettyThe last WSL meeting between Manchester United and Man City resulted in a 3-1 win for the latterCredit: The TimesThe experienced defender, whose team play Man United at the Etihad today has her left arm adorned with striking designs.Some of these illustrations pay tribute to the important moments and people in her life.Amongst them is a stylish depiction of a butterfly she shares with her ex-Barcelona team-mate Patri Guijarro.For Ouahabi it symbolises the feeling of butterflies she had in her belly before her old club won the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 2021.Read More Football Stories In June that year the most dominant women’s football club in Spain stunned City’s title rivals Chelsea in a 4-0 demolition.Of her tattoo and memory of that match she said: “I remember in that game against Chelsea in the (Women’s Champions League) final. “Hours before I felt nervous and I talked with Patri and told her, ‘I’m feeling nervous’.“We spoke to each other and said if we win this title, we would get tattoos of a butterfly. Most read in Football“The meaning behind that is when you feel butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous ahead of doing something big.”Ouahabi, whose club career began in Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, hopes to pull off something big this season with City aiming to end Chelsea’s dominance at the WSL’s summit.A Cityzens win today would consign neighbours United to their second WSL derby day defeat this term.It would also see City leap above the Blues to the top of the table with Chelsea playing on Sunday.The lunchtime clash is one of five derbies taking place today and tomorrow across the top two tiers of the women’s game as part of Women’s Football Weekend.Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will visit West Ham and while Everton will go toe-to-toe with fifth-placed Liverpool at Goodison Park in the WSL.Elsewhere Championship leaders Sunderland will take on Durham at home.And their promotion chasing rivals Crystal Palace, who are second in the division, will host Watford.It is hoped matches across these weekend will lead to bigger crowd attendances at fixtures.Of City’s clash with the Red Devils, Ouahabi added: “It will be a good game and a competitive one.“Man United have good players. We will try to enjoy it and demonstrate our style. I hope the fans enjoy it with us.On how Manchester derbies compare to Barcelona’s clasico duels with Real Madrid, she said: “I feel it’s the same to be fair, because it will be a good game.“It’s a derby like (the ones) in Spain and the feelings and emotions are similar because it will be exciting.”Today’s fixture could see Ouahabi, who has played in 12 of City’s 16 top-flight games this term, feature in her fourth WSL derby.The last league duel between the rivals resulted in City battling from a goal down to claim a 3-1 win at an Old Trafford last NovemberOuahabi, who signed a two-year contract extension with the club last month, sees Gareth Taylor’s side as one that reflects her persona.And the defender, who helped Barcelona to 15 major silverware wins wants to City become a trophy-winning force.Ouahabi, who sealed a July 2022 City move, after her six-year second spell at Barca adds: “Man City has a playing style that is like my character.Ouahabi hopes to win a WSL title with Man City having won five top-flight titles in Spain with BarcelonaCredit: Getty“I’m passionate and have a lot of character when I’m in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want the ball, and we want to enjoy the game. It’s similar to when I played in Barcelona, a similar concept.“I want to win every game and I want to win titles. I want these things for Man City.” More

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      ‘We’re under no illusions it will be tough’, says Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea’s clash with Ajax in the Champions League

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      ERIN CUTHBERT hopes Chelsea can silence Ajax fans when they take on the Dutch giants in the Women’s Champions League quarters.And the midfielder says it “would mean everything” if the Blues reached the contest’s in Emma Hayes’ last season at the helm.Erin Cuthbert (centre) warns Ajax will be fearless foes for Chelsea with the Dutch side playing the Women’s Champions League last eight for the first timeCredit: GettyThe Blues duel with Ajax, who are second in the Netherlands’ top tier, comes four days after their defeat of Arsenal in the WSLCredit: GettyAjax have become the second team from the Netherlands to reach the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals for the first timeCredit: AlamyCuthbert was speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of Chelsea’s first-leg duel with their rivals at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday.It’s the Dutch team’s first taste of the contest’s last eight phase. The club progressed to the knockout phase after finishing second in Group C above Bayern Munich and Roma. A record crowd for a women’s club game in the Netherlands is expected at their Amsterdam ground with 34,200 tickets sold so far.Read More Football Stories While Chelsea will draw on experience of performing in front of big crowds in Europe, Cuthbert warns they may face a fearless Ajax.The Blues ace, whose side will face their rivals at Stamford Bridge in the second leg next Wednesday, said: “It’s their first time at this point in the competition.”We can certainly use that experience as one sort of advantage factor.”As a player, I certainly know that if I was in the competition for the first time, I’d be playing without fear.Most read in Football”We need to be wary that they can play without fear, they’ve got nothing to lose, and we’ve got everything (to lose).”We’ll be giving it everything to try and bring a result back to Stamford Bridge that we’re happy with.”Boss Emma Hayes, added: “We’ve only had yesterday to prepare for this game.”But the players’ experiences of being at this tournament have to count, because it is intimidating to play in front of 35,000 at a tight arena.”For us, let’s draw on our experiences because it is important that we come through this tie in a really strong position.”A last eight knockout of Ajax would see Chelsea pitted against either SK Brann or two-time contest winners Barcelona in the semi-finals.Last year was the last time the Blues reached the tournament’s semis where they fell to a narrow 2-1 aggregate loss to Barca.And the Catalan giants were the victors when both clubs reached the final for the first time back in 2021.The biggest trophy for Europe’s elite clubs remains the only major piece of silverware to have so far eluded Hayes.And Cuthbert hopes the Blues will fulfil their wish of lifting it with their gaffer before for her departure for a new job as boss of the USA Women’s team later this year.She adds: “It would mean everything to get to the final and to go on and win it.”But I’ve been at this club so long, it’s all about a process.Emma Hayes’ players hope to reach this term’s Champions League semi-final where a two-leg test against SK Brann or Barcelona awaitsCredit: Getty”We’re in the quarter-finals now and it’s two ties that lie aheadREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Two tough games against a really tough team who have more than proved themselves at this level.”We’re under no illusions, it’s going to be a tough game, but of course it’s hard not to dream a little bit.” More