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      Manchester City boss Taylor hopeful of improved broadcast rights deal for WSL and Women’s Championship

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      GARETH TAYLOR says the sky is the limit to push for an increased broadcast deal for the Women’s Super League and Championship. The Manchester City boss spoke after the women’s top tier in the USA secured a record TV rights deal worth $240million, 40 times more than the existing one. 
      Gareth Taylor hopes to see an improved broadcast deal for the WSL and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      The National Women’s Soccer League’s new broadcast rights deal will see NWSL fixtures in the USA shown on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports from 2024Credit: Getty
      That four-year agreement, announced on Thursday, will start in 2024 and is thought to be the largest agreed by a women’s sport league to date.
      National Women’s Soccer League games will be aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports. 
      WSL and Women’s Championship are also after a higher price for the combined broadcast rights contract, according to Telegraph Sport.  
      The WSL’s existing TV deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, which finishes at the end of this term, is worth around £8m per year. 
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      On his hopes for the WSL’s new deal following the NWSL’s announcement, Taylor said: “It’s (women’s football coverage) has moved on significantly.
      “How much further (can it go), the sky’s the limit, really and also in regard to getting appropriate kick-off times so that supporters are able to watch their clubs men’s and women’s teams. 
      “That’s been really difficult because it’s a really tight calendar and they’re on a tight turnaround. 
      “That being said, I think there’s been significant steps in the three seasons I’ve been here.
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      “When I look at my first season of 2020-21 and it was a bit of a fake landscape with it being during Covid times. 
      “We probably had two games televised that season which was the FA Cup semi-final and final in an empty Wembley Stadium
      “The following season we saw the introduction of Sky Sports showcasing games alongside the BBC and that’s now even more this season.”
      On the pitch, Taylor aims to guide his side back to winning ways after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, their first of the season. 
      City host Brighton today, who are yet to beat them, losing eight of their last nine games. And Albion have shipped 39 goals in those nine WSL games. 
      However, Taylor will not underestimate the Seagulls — under new boss Melissa Phillips.
      Brighton drew with Manchester United last time out and have four former City players in their squad — defender Poppy Pattinson, midfielder Vicky Losada and forwards Pauline Bremner and Lee Geum-min. 
      Taylor added: “They took a solid point last week and there could have been more for them as well — and it just shows how dangerous they are. 
      “We wouldn’t underestimate any opposition.
      “With their new coach they’ve been quite active in recruitment in terms of bringing in players who’ve got really good experience in the WSL and international football.”
      Vicky Losada is one of two ex-Man City aces who joined Brighton this summerCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Taylor says he has high hopes for two of City’s young rising stars, forward Jess Park and defender Ruby Mace. 
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      He said: “Jess looks really sharp and lively and a threat. 
      “It’s the same with Ruby. She’s got the capabilities of playing higher up the pitch and the early signs have been impressive.” More

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      Alex Scott looks ‘flawless’ on Match of the Day Live as fans hail ‘power trio’ presenting Man City vs Arsenal clash

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      ALEX SCOTT proved as popular as ever as she presented Match of the Day Live.And fans hailed her as part of a “power trio” live on BBC Two.
      Alex Scott presented BBC Sport’s coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen White for the WSL clashCredit: Getty
      Scott rocked a black coat over a black turtleneck as she hosted the coverage of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester City this afternoon.
      She was joined pitchside at Meadow Park by ex-England, Chelsea and Gunners stars Fara Williams and Ellen White as the pundits.
      And that prompted a huge wave of support among delighted viewers watching the Women’s Super League action.
      One said: “How does Alex Scott always look flawless?”
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      Another wrote: “Dream Team!”
      A third added: “FARA WILLIAMS, ALEX SCOTT AND ELLEN WHITE OH DEAR GOD I LOVE BBC.”
      A fourth commented: “Alex Scott, Fara Williams, Ellen White is a great coverage trio that the BBC have got for their WSL matches.”
      And a final user commented: “The power trio of Alex Scott, Fara Williams and Ellen White is back.”
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      The trio were on hand to dissect an important victory for Jonas Eidevall’s ladies.
      Steph Catley fired the hosts in front, blasting into the top corner on 14 minutes.
      Kim Little saw her penalty saved before Chloe Kelly looked to have rescued a point for City.
      But Stina Blackstenius pounced on Khiara Keating’s howler to tap into an empty net for an 87th-minute winner.
      Popular Scott also presents the BBC’s Football Focus show on a Saturday lunchtime – despite a recent drop-off in viewing figures.
      She is one of the top sports TV stars – worth a reported £1.5million – but has made a name for herself away from football, too.
      Scott was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and recently went public over her romance with pop star Jess Glynne. More

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      Emma Hayes ‘agrees’ lucrative new role with Chelsea players and staff left ‘stunned’ by shock departure

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      EMMA HAYES has reportedly agreed a lucrative new role away from Chelsea after the club announced she would leave at the end of the season.Hayes has had a superb spell with The Blues winning six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two FA Women’s League Cups.
      Emma Hayes has reportedly agreed to take over as the US Women’s national team after it was announced she will be leaving ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And her impressive record seems to have earned her a seat in one of the highest profile roles in women’s football.
      According to the Telegraph, the decorated manager has agreed to become the new head coach of the US Women’s national team.
      The report suggests that the USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her number two.
      Chelsea announced today that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.
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      It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
      The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa today.
      And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.
      Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May.
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      Which will be music to the ears of Blues fans with their side currently sat top of the table and unbeaten in the opening five games of the campaign.
      But may come as a concern to stateside fans as the proposed scheduling would mean the US Women’s team would continue with a temporary boss in place until Hayes was able to take over full time.
      Twila Kilgore was appointed as the interim head coach for the national side in Ausgust and could remain in place until Hayes’ arrival.
      Reports from US football writer Joseph Lowry suggest that Hayes may join the USWNT during international breaks before taking over. More

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      ‘People get frustrated when I’m injured. To hear that reaction when I came on was special’, says England ace Kirby

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      FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem. 
      Fran Kirby’s England comeback coincided with a 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s side against Belgium in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is among the pundits who have been eager to see Kirby back in action in an England shirtCredit: PA
      Kirby’s return was was warmly welcomed by her former England and Chelsea team-mate Karen CarneyCredit: Reuters
      Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
      Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter. 
      Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
      The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea. 
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      “I can’t fault anyone for their support for me. 
      “That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
      “It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget. 
      “I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
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      Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham. 
      It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August. 
      And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
      The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
      Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be. 
      “I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier. 
      “But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
      “Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
      Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups. 
      Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham. 
      Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
      “Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
      “It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally. 
      “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
      Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland. 
      And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target. 
      Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do. 
      “Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
      Kirby, skipper Millie Bright and their team-mates will face the Belgium away on Tuesday in the reverse Women’s Nations League fixtureCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
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      “Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
      “But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.” More

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      I won Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker to kickstart pro career but I had to relearn to walk after rare illness

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      ASHLEIGH GODDARD overcame strong competition to win Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker in 2009.The Londoner won Series Two of the iconic Sky One show, which was watched by 600,000 people each week, before earning a scholarship to play at an American college.
      Ashleigh Goddard won Series Two of Wayne Rooney’s Street StrikerCredit: Sky One/Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker
      After four years at DePaul University in Chicago, including two as captain, she returned to Europe and launched her pro career with Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
      Following a stint with Cypriot team Apollon, who she helped qualify for the Champions League, Goddard returned to these shores with Crystal Palace in 2019.
      The Eagles had ambitions to be promoted to the Women’s Super League, but a freak incident left things hanging in the balance for Goddard.
      Explaining the incident that changed her life, she told the BBC: “I went to receive the ball from a throw-in and I think her forearm hit me in the back of the head or the neck and I was unconscious for a few seconds.”
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      Persistent headaches followed and in January 2020, Goddard went to hospital for a scan.
      It was then revealed that she had a brain arteriovenous malformation – which affects the blood vessels connecting arteries to veins.
      That March Goddard was told she’d need surgery, as her initial issue had developed into a terrifying brain aneurysm.
      On the stark nature of her situation, she later revealed: “They said it would burst at some point in my lifetime.
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      Goddard, 31, has suffered with terrifying health issuesCredit: INSTAGRAM @goddardashleigh
      “They couldn’t say if it would be tomorrow or in 20 years, but that I needed treatment. They said it would be either fatal or that it would cause a life-changing disability.”
      Goddard eventually went under the knife to solve the issue in 2021… only to suffer another life-altering complication.
      She continued: “I woke up and I couldn’t move my left side, I was paralysed.
      It was the worst thing other than dying that could have happenedAshleigh Goddard
      “I couldn’t talk, my face had dropped, my arm couldn’t do the most basic of movements. They told me something was wrong but I would have never guessed a stroke.
      “It was the worst thing other than dying that could have happened.”
      Incredibly, despite having to relearn how to walk following her stroke, Goddard managed to return to action for London Bees just six months later.
      On what came next, she added: “I had to learn to walk again, I had to learn how to use a knife and fork again and when it came to football I had to learn it all again.
      “I did thousands of reps of each type of pass and each touch and eventually things just started to get easier.”
      Goddard, 31, has continued to inspire with her recovery, and joined AFC Wimbledon in the summer.
      She had previously trained with the Dons as she stepped up her rehabilitation, and was delighted to be able to return.
      Upon sealing her move, she said: “When I first visited, everyone was so nice and supportive of me and what had happened, and that really stuck with me.
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      “It was a no-brainer for me that I wanted to come back here and give a good season. There’s only one aim, and that’s promotion!”
      Boss Kevin Foster then said of her: “Not only will she bring quality on the pitch, but her character is one of the best you will see in football.”
      Goddard joined AFC Wimbledon in the summer
      The 31-year-old previously played for London BeesCredit: Rex More

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      Lioness ace Keating happy to be ‘role model’ and aims to be first goalkeeper of colour to play for England Women

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      KHIARA KEATING is eyeing the chance to make history as the first goalkeeper of mixed race heritage to play for a Lionesses senior side. The England starlet hopes to inspire girls from minority ethnic communities dreaming of playing at football’s highest levels. 
      Khiara Keating has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games for Manchester City so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keating’s impressive Man City form led to her first senior England call-up ahead of the Lionesses’ matches against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      Keating, who has had a stunning start to this season, was speaking on Wednesday – seven days after getting her first senior international call-up from Sarina Wiegman.  
      The team are set to take on Belgium on Friday night at the King Power in the first game of a Women’s Nations League double header.
      The Manchester City starlet has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games this term
      Keating, said: “Coming from a background of colour, there’s not many of us, I think we’re starting to see a rise.
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      “I’m just happy that I could be an inspiration to anyone out there that’s thinking, ‘maybe I will get judged or maybe it’s not for me’,
      “I feel like I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can be a role model to people.”
      Keating, who has emerged as a first XI regular for Man City this season, has the highest save percentage in the top-flight this term. 
      And the Manchester-born shot stopper, who made her senior club debut last January, says her call-up brought tears to her mothers eyes. 
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      Keating added: “She was super proud when I FaceTimed her after I’d just got off the phone with Sarina. 
      “She was in denial and she was like, ‘Khiara, you’re lying, stop lying’. 
      “She (was joking) wasn’t being serious and then she obviously hit the emotional stage where she started crying. 
      Keating hopes her success for club and country will inspire girls from minority ethnic backgrounds hoping to get into footballCredit: Getty
      “She’s never going to admit it to anyone that she cried but she did. 
      “I think she is just extremely proud as are my brothers who have seen me on the sidelines at their games, to being called up to the (England) seniors.
      “They’re just so so proud.” More

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      If I hadn’t been a footballer I’d have been a pilot and played a totally different sport – now I’m chasing the title

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      LENA PETERMANN may have been reaching heights of a different kind rather than fuelling Leicester’s rise had her football career not taken off.The forward, 29, admits becoming a pilot could have been on the cards had she not followed her sporting dreams during her childhood in Germany.
      Lena Petermann has hit the ground running for Leicester scoring two goals in three WSL gamesCredit: Getty
      Petermann and her team-mates hope to continue their unbeaten run when they host Manchester City at the King Power this eveningCredit: Getty
      Petermann, whose Leicester side are second in the league, said: “I always wanted to be a pilot but that’s changed completely!  
      “I also played table tennis and I was quite good at it.
      “If football hadn’t worked out (for me) I probably would have stuck to table tennis and maybe become a pilot.
      “It was about the age of 14 that I was also playing table tennis, but I couldn’t do both (table tennis and football) anymore. 

      “I then had to make a decision and it was quite easy for me that I would stick to football.
      “That’s because by then I also started to play for a regional team so I was one hundred per cent sure that I am going follow football.”
      It was a decision that paid off for Petermann who began her senior playing career with German side Hamburg at the age of 15.
      Following three seasons there she would spend 2013 playing US women’s college football netting eight goals in 21 appearances for Florida University’s UCF Nights team.  
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      Spells at SC Freiburg, Turbine Potsdam and Montpellier, preceded a July Foxes move for the forward who scored 25 goals in 48 appearances for the French side. 
      Two goals in three WSL games – including a bullet header against Bristol – has seen her become the top scorer so far this term for Willie Kirk’s side.
      His team will face one of their toughest side who host league leaders Man City at the King Power this evening
      Petermann  added: “I really enjoy this club and the feeling of it. 
      “It was really easy for me to get into (being with) the team.
      “After a couple of weeks, it felt like I’ve been in this team for quite a long time.
      “My teammates made it so easy for me and the staff too. How they’ve treated me made it really easy for me to settle in. 
      “I think you can see it now with my first performances that I feel good here.”
      Since its inception in 2011 the WSL has seen scores of top talents from Germany make moves to the division including Chelsea trio Ann-Katrin Berger, Melanie Leupolz and Sjoeke Nusken.
      Aside from Petermann, Foxes goalkeeper Janina Leitzig and Brighton forward Pauline Bremer are among those who sealed permanent switches  
      This summer saw the duo transfer from Bayern Munich and two-time Champions League winners Wolfsburg. 
      Petermann said: “This is one of the best. It is the best I think. It has a lot of qualities and that’s why it’s so interesting for foreigners as well. 
      Goalkeeper Janina Leitzig is among Leicester’s summer signings who have impressed for the clubCredit: Getty
      “I think the German league is also at a good level but at some point it didn’t develop so much more than here in England. 
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      “This is why I think some German players want to do this move.
      “They want to perform at the best levels and this is definitely here in this league.” More

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      ‘I have too much respect for teams across Europe to talk negatively about them’, says Emma Hayes

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      EMMA HAYES believes it is arrogant to suggest Europe’s best teams are not reaching the Women’s Champions League group stages. However the Chelsea boss believes the qualifying route needs to be looked at in terms of a possible group phase expansion and Europa league. 
      Emma Hayes thinks a larger group stage similar to that in the men’s Champions League would be worth considering for the women’s contestCredit: Reuters
      Hayes’ Chelsea side are the only English team left competing in the tournament this seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United chief Marc Skinner believes there is scope for a “broader scale of teams” in the contestCredit: Getty
      Hayes was sharing her thoughts amid recent debate concerning the qualifying process to enter the tournament’s group stage. 
      Her comments’ follow remarks made by Manchester United boss Marc Skinner after his side were knocked out in round two of the qualifying phase by Paris Saint-Germain. 
      On Wednesday after the game, the Red Devils chief said it was “crazy” his team had to face PSG in the qualifiers. 
      He also talked of wanting to see “the best teams in the Champions League” group stage rather than a “spread of average” sides. 
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      However the Man United later apologised for” any offence taken” in response to his comment while calling for “a broader scale of teams” in the competition.
      Skinner said: “It’s easy to twist words, but if there was any offence taken then I am sorry for that. 
      “My comment was much more about the breadth and quality.
      “I believe now that there is a need for more teams to be in this competition and then we will see who is average and who is not. 
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      “We might have been average in the group stage, we don’t know that? But we played a good team (in PSG).”
      In terms of English clubs in this season’s contest only the current WSL title-holders (Chelsea) were guaranteed automatic entry to the group stage. 
      Meanwhile United who finished second last season and Arsenal who finished third had to compete in qualifiers prior to this phase.  
      Hayes said: “I don’t want to talk disrespectfully about any team in Europe, particularly knowing that we are a team that have lost to many teams in early rounds in our infancy as much as going out of a group stage two years ago. 
      “I have way too much respect for the competition and teams across Europe to talk negatively about any of them.
      “I think that’s ignorant and arrogant all at once. 
      “Roma and Benfica are two teams who won their leagues.
      “They deserve perhaps to go straight into a group competition. 
      “But this isn’t about my opinion, this is what the format is and we have to play that.
      “However, do we need to look at that? Absolutely we need to.
      “Do we need to look at that in line with the growth of the women’s game to say, ‘well, actually, there’s a lot more investment across many leagues?
      “And perhaps (whether) we should consider a format that’s similar to that of the men’s competition, where it’s group stages from the off but maybe larger?
      “But also we have to look at the smaller nations – they deserve the opportunity and the right to be in it as much as any English team does.”
      The Blues, who face Brighton at home in the WSL on Sunday, were among 16 teams involved in Friday’s group stage draw for the contest
      They have been drawn in Group D alongside Real Madrid, BK Hacken and giant killers Paris FC who knocked out Arsenal and this year’s finalists Wolfsburg. 
      Following the Gunners and United’s exits, Hayes side are the only English team left in this season’s tournament. 
      The Blues gaffer added:  “We’ve been in the Champions League a long time to know that this is a really tough competition and we’ve got a lot to prepare for.
      Chelsea have been drawn in Group D in the Women’s Champions League alongside Real Madrid (pictured), BK Hacken and Paris FCCredit: EPA
      “Everybody is a good team so we respect all the opponents that we might face and we know Real Madrid is a top team.
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      “(BK) Hacken is a top team performing really well and Paris FC have deservedly progressed into the group stage. 
      “It (the contest) needs simplifying, it needs expanding. It needs a Europa League conversation. It needs all of those things.”
      Women’s Champions League – Group stage teamsGROUP A
      Barcelona
      FC Rosengard
      Benfica
      Eintracht Frankfurt
      GROUP B
      Lyon
      Slavia Praha
      SKN St Polten
      SK Brann
      GROUP C
      Bayern Munich
      Paris Saint-Germain
      AS Roma
      Ajax
      GROUP D
      Chelsea
      Real Madrid
      BK Hacken
      Paris FC More