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      Jonas Eidevall backs Arsenal to do the business in Champions League qualifier battle with BK Hacken

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal can bask in the pressure of battling to keep their Women’s Champions League dream alive.And the Gunners gaffer was tight-lipped on whether Rosa Kafaji and Stina Blackstenius will face their old club BK Hacken tonight.Rosa Kafaji could be line to start for Arsenal against BK Hacken in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifierCredit: EPAThe Gunners are hoping for a repeat of the ruthless efficiency that saw them beat Rangers in the first roundCredit: APTomorrow in Sweden Arsenal play the first of three high stakes games in nine days. These include a WSL season-opener against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.First priority is collecting a victory in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier second-round and avoiding the shock exit they suffered in this round last year.Eidevall said: “Of course, everyone feels a little bit of pressure and for me that’s not a negative thing, it’s positive and a necessity for high performance.Read More Football Stories “This is really business time for us where we put everyone’s competence into the hot seat.”We have prepped for this period because we knew this was going to be busy. “It’s exciting to be here and close to going into the group stage of the Champions League.”It’s exciting to go to the Emirates to play Manchester City this weekend, but we need to keep our focus on the day-by-day activity. Most read in Football”We’re really hungry and I expect Hacken to be too.”Tomorrow’s 6:00pm duel at the Bravina Arena in Gothenburg could see Sweden duo Kafaji and Blackstenius return to haunt their former side.Should Kafaji feature, it would be her first appearance for against her old club since sealing a permanent move to Eidevall’s side for a reported fee between £200,000 and £250,000.The Sweden-born head coach added: “There is always some emotion and all of us who are from Sweden think it’s nice to come here and to be able show the team this country.”And it’s a little bit special for Stina and Rosa having played for Hacken before. “There’s a lot of ingredients for an exciting game between two teams who like to be in possession.”Elsewhere Arsenal’s WSL rivals Man City will be looking to get their push for a Champions League group stage place off to flier.They face visit Paris FC who finished third in France’s top-flight last term and are due to play Guincamp in their Division One Feminine opener.And the match could see ex-Gunners ace Vivianne Miedema make her first appearance for the Cityzens in Europe since joining club as a free agent inLast season the French side pulled off two major Champions Leagues shocks – knocking Arsenal and two-time contest winners Wolfsburg out of the tournamentYesterday Man City boss Gareth Taylor said: “They’re a dangerous opponent and will not make it easy. Vivianne Miedema could be in line to feature for Man City when they play Paris FC in the Champions League second qualifiersCredit: Getty”They’re a tough opponent for us but actually the signs from our team in pre-season has been really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Regardless of who we drew, this is a really tough stage of the competition.”I’ve said previously, that in this round, you will probably face tougher games than you would in the group stages in the league format.” More

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      Barcelona turn down world-record bid from Arsenal to sign England star Keira Walsh before summer transfer deadline

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      BARCELONA rejected a world-record bid from Arsenal to sign Keira Walsh a day before the WSL summer transfer deadline on Friday. Reports claim the Gunners tabled a megabucks offer for the England star on September 12 – believed to be around £930,000 according to BBC Sport. Arsenal are claimed to have had a late summer transfer bid for Keira Walsh’s services knocked back by BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona Women’s boss Pere Romeu described Walsh as “super professional” says his side will be counting on her this seasonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s reported bid for Walsh follows the Gunners signing ex-Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey in JulyCredit: GettyHowever Spanish paper Sport claims the Catalan giants rebuffed the bid from the North London side, with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen on the player. This is despite Walsh, 27, who has helped her team win seven trophies including two Champions League titles, entering the final year of her current contract. Earlier this summer it was reported the Lioness, who in September 2022 sealed a then world record-breaking £400,000 Barcelona transfer, was attracting interest from Arsenal. The midfielder, who joined the team from Manchester City after helping England win the Women’s Euros, has emerged as an influential figure for the Catalan outfit.Read More Football StoriesShe has shone in midfield alongside Spain stars Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati with the trio helping their side win four major trophies last term. The club see the Rochdale-born midfielder, who started in Barcelona’s first two league matches this season, as a key player within their squad Yesterday boss Pere Romeu confirmed the club had no intention of parting ways with the player who helped her side win a ninth top-flight title last seasonHe told reporters: “There’s no case for Keira leaving. Most read in Football”She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us.”She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one. “We’re definitely counting on her this season,” It is claimed Walsh does not intend to renew her contract which is set to expire in June next year. Since her move to Barcelona, who this April signed a two-year partnership with Spanish airline Vueling, the England midfielder has played in 49 games in Spain’s top-flight. On the domestic front Walsh has lifted two Liga F trophies, two Spanish Women’s Super Cups, and a Copa de la Reina.And she appeared in their five pre-season matches including their 2-0 Joan Gamper Trophy win against AC Milan last month.Had Arsenal succeeded in their efforts to sign Walsh, the move would have made her the second player to join the club from Barcelona this summer.In July World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey sealed a permanent switch the Gunners following a 10-year spell with the Catalan side.María Pérez is among the senior players to have left Barcelona this summer with the Spain midfielder joining London City LionessesThis summer’s transfer window has also seen the club bid farewell to Spain international María Pérez.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier today the defensive midfielder, 22, was announced as the newest signing of London City Lionesses whose squad includes Sweden stars Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson. The Women’s Championship side, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, are chasing WSL promotion this term. More

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      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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      Marc Skinner says league title is the target for Manchester United Women and dismisses criticism of training facilities

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      MARC SKINNER hit back at critics calling on Manchester United “to do better” and insists his side’s aim is to win the league.And he dismissed controversy surrounding his women’s squad’s move into temporary buildings at Carrington.Marc Skinner says Man United are doing well “fantastically well” with their renovation of the club’s Carrington training complexCredit: GettySkinner says Man United are aiming to challenge for the title this season following their FA Cup win and fifth place finish last termCredit: GettyThe Red Devils will face West Ham at home in their opening game of the new WSL season which commences on September 20Credit: GettyTwo days ago Skinner, 41, shared his thoughts on Man United’s efforts last term and their pre-season preparations ahead of the Friday September 20th start of the new WSL season.His side are due to face West Ham at home in their first game of the 2024-24 Women’s Super League campaign.The Red Devils boss also reflected on the reaction to United’s women’s side’s move out of their £10m facility and into portable buildings.The temporary move in June was so their Premier League counterparts could use their site with United’s Carrington training complex undergoing a £50million renovation.Read More Football StoriesSkinner said: “You reported on it and it didn’t sound great. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.”Everyone in our club has moved. They have all moved to incorporate the growth of Carrington.”It wasn’t ready for Manchester United Women four years ago. “The club did fantastically well to spend on the new facility to get new pitches. You have to know that because it’s a historical thing.”Most read in FootballThis summer saw United’s WSL stars temporarily use England’s St George’s Park pitches for training in pre-season.This week the Red Devils’ WSL aces returned to Carrington. According to the club players will have access to refurbished dedicated women’s pitches and use of a gym previously used by the men’s side.Skinner adds: “We went to St George’s Park which was a brilliant experience as we got to gel together.”But our training pitches that we will have every day are better than St George’s Park.”Ours are newer. You would eat your breakfast off our pitches – they are incredible.”We are training in a facility that has been built on site for our players. “From my perspective, everything is growing from there.”We played Blackburn in a pre-season friendly and in the car park, Bruno Fernandes walks past.”They trained right in front of us while we ate so we got to see them as well.”He came back, asked if we had a game then he came to watch the second half after he had showered and got changed.”He spoke to all the players. We have a better relationship now because we’re all crossing over.”United’s return to training at Carrington, following a pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain, comes just over a week before their first game of the new season.Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside (Manchester United). We want to do better. We want to win the league.Marc Skinner Last term while they won the Women’s FA Cup for first time, they endured a difficult end to their league campaign. The team finished fifth for the first time in the top-flight after a 6-0 loss to Chelsea. This summer saw Mary Earps’ leave the club following her contract expiring with the England goalkeeper, 31, joining Paris Saint-Germain in July.And former skipper Katie Zelem, 28, left in June before joining Angel City as a free agent in August. However United have since reinforced their attacking, defensive and midfield ranks. Their summer signings include ex-Arsenal and Wolfsburg centre-back Dominique Janssen and Norway striker Elisabeth Terland who joined from Brighton. The Red Devils have also been boosted by Lioness Grace Clinton’s return following a standout spell on loan at Tottenham last term. This month the club signed Celin Bizet with the Norway forward joining from Tottenham on a three-year deal. Meanwhile full-back Gabby George has returned to fitness following her recovery from a knee ligament rupture sustained last October. And Skinner hopes George’s and Clinton’s return and his new signings can help Man United produce the form that saw them finish two points behind champions Chelsea last year. He said: “Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside. “They say ‘Manchester United needs to do better’.”We want to do better, we do. We want to win the league, that’s our aim.”We want to win trophies. We want to try to get into the Champions League but it’s not a given.”Following Zelem’s departure Skinner has handed the captain’s armband to Maya Le Tissier. And her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, has become the team’s new vice-skipper.Since her move from Brighton, Le Tissier has played 44 top-flight games for Man United – featuring in all their WSL matches in the past two years.Alongside Toone the defender, 22, has evolved into a senior figure in the side, with both players impressing in their team’s FA Cup final defeat of Tottenham in May.Skinner added: “When I look at the two captains, Maya literally breathes football.”She embodies this unforgiving, relentless nature I want in my time.”She wants to win at all costs and is all in. She plays every minute for us.Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone have been appointed as skipper and vice-captain of Man United’s women’s teamCredit: Getty”I wanted Tooney in there alongside her. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I felt if there is any girl or any boy that looks at Manchester United, then who better to represent it than a famous number seven that has grown up a Manchester United fan all her life.”I want this spirit so people believe in the people there and can grow with this team.” More

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      ‘Our vision is to be the best in England. This is just the start’, says London City Lionesses’ Kosovare Asllani

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      KOSOVARE ASLLANI hopes London City Lionesses’ can one day claw their way to the top of club football in England. The Sweden forward was on target in her first Women’s Championship game, with her side drawing 1-1 with Newcastle. Kosovare Asllani scored her first competitive goal for London City Lionesses in her first Women’s Championship gameCredit: GettyAsllani and Newcastle skipper Demi Stokes captained their sides in their season opener at Hayes LaneCredit: GettyLondon City will visit Blackburn next whilst Newcastle will host Sheffield United in their second Championship game this termCredit: GettyThe London City skipper, who made her first competitive appearance following a June move from AC Milan, said: “The vision is to be the best in England and this is just the start.”Even though we are a Championship team, we don’t want to be treated as one.”We demand one hundred per cent professionalism. That’s why I am here and the other girls as well.”Asllani’s 39th-minute strike, which cancelled out Shania Hayles’ opener for the visitors, was her first goal in her first competitive game for her side.Read More Football Stories London owner Michelle Kang was among the football powerbrokers watching from the stands at Hayes Lane Stadium.The American businesswoman, who also owns Washington Spirit and Lyon Women was joined by Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd (WPLL) chief Nikki Doucet and WPLL chair Dawn Airey.Asllani added: “It was great to score my first goal and help the team when we were 1-0 down. I think we have even more in us.”We’re in the beginning of building something here.Most read in Football”We still have a lot to do in terms of building the facilities and it’s an ongoing project which will be done as soon as possible to give us the best resources.”I feel it’s something special that we won’t have to demand things in the future. “Michelle understands what we need and will give us everything we need to create a successful team.”I think that’s the coolest part, that it’s a woman investing.”Of the journey London City are embarking on, head coach Jocelyn Precheur said: “It’s not a new chapter, it’s a new book that we are writing.”With all the respect I have for London City before Michele bought the club, we cannot be compared to a club like Newcastle, it’s like the two opposites.”We have everything to build, we have fans to seduce and convince to follow us, a history to create, so it was the first page of the new story.”It could have been better, it could have been worse, but anyway the first match is done and I hope the journey will be long and beautiful.”Newcastle’s first appearance in the Championship saw Becky Langley hand competitive debuts to Lasses captain Demi Stokes, defender Deanna Cooper and goalscorer Hayles.The trio are among the club’s new signings this summer with Stokes joining after nine-years at Manchester City, and Cooper moving from Reading following their relegation to the third tier last season.Newcastle boss Langley said: “Shania is an exciting player and she took her chance really well. “I thought Demi and Deanna were both phenomenal. They bring a calmness to the group.”Deanna handled the threat in behind really well. “They’re great and very experienced, including Deanna in terms of her time at Chelsea.”It’s great to learn from her and she tells me a lot about when she worked with Emma Hayes. “And Demi is phenomenal in terms of how she leads the group and the quality she brings on the pitch.”Both London City and Newcastle have undergone some changes in recent years following the teams benefitting from financial backing after coming under new ownership.London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur wants his team to create a new story togetherCredit: GettyAnd Langley hailed the investment that has been sunk into her side and their rivals with both among the teams tipped for WSL promotion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Newcastle gaffer added: “It’s fantastic for both teams to have that financial and emotional investment.”We’re excited by our investment and that we’re still pumping money into the women’s team to get to the WSL as quickly as possible.” More

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      ‘When it comes to Sunderland versus Newcastle, it’s going to be tough’, says Magpies goalkeeper Claudia Moan

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      GETTING “a bit of grief” over her summer transfer to Newcastle from Sunderland was a scenario Claudia Moan had prepared herself for.However the Magpies goalkeeper, 25, is determined to put any negative noise to the back of her mind and embrace life with the Women’s Championship’s newest side.Newcastle will play their first game in the Women’s Championship at 2:00pm today when they take on London City LionessesCredit: GettyGoalkeeper Claudia Moan says her transfer to Newcastle from Sunderland was about setting herself a new challenge.Becky Langley’s Newcastle will be among the sides chasing a spot in the Women’s Super League having clinched back-to-back promotionCredit: GettyMoan’s July switch to the Tyneside club follows a standout season with her old sideThe shot stopper, who began her senior club career at Sunderland five years ago, played a significant role in her former club’s push for promotion to the top tier last term. Moan kept ten clean sheets in 22 Championship games with the Black Cats in the thick of a five-way battle for a WSL spot, finishing five points behind division winners Crystal Palace. It was a feat that saw her win the second tier’s Golden Glove prize three months before her move to a Newcastle team that clinched back-to-back promotions under head coach Becky Langley.Read More Football StoriesMoan, whose new side face London City Lionesses in their first game of the season at 2:00pm today side, admits she had to block out some of the negative reaction to her move.She said: “When it (news of my transfer) reached some the men’s team fans, the first week wasn’t the best with a lot of people with their own opinions.”It’s one of those things where you have to be aware that you are always going to get a bit of grief.”I kept off my phone in the first week (after my move). It’s something I should have been excited about.Most read in Football”But there are people who try and spoil it for you because they are looking at it the wrong way. It’s football at the end of the day.Newcastle’s leap to the second tier will see them go toe-to-toe with the Black Cats for the first time in the Women’s Championship on October 13.And the match could see Moan in action against her former club for the first time since her transfer to the Tyneside giants.She adds: “For me I have to put it at the back of my mind. “I know that when it comes to Sunderland-vs-Newcastle it’s going to be a tough day especially for me.”And it’s just (about) trying to block out the people who don’t see it for what it is, “The people who are trying to say I’m a traitor and this, that and the other. Some people have only seen me play for Sunderland.”What they don’t know is I have been at Newcastle two times before this.“I’ve been at Newcastle, then Sunderland, then Newcastle and then Sunderland, but that’s not picked up on because I was playing for development teams.”But now I’m in the senior team, it’s like I’m now a traitor and this, that and the other.”For Moan the motivation for move is about setting herself a new challenge within the Women’s Championship.And she believes Newcastle, who along with London City Lionesses are being tipped as promotion contenders, will have a target on their backs.Moan said: “I think every team’s enemy is Newcastle. It’s expected and because the team got a double promotion.”In this league it’s whoever wants it most on the day. It’s a very, very hard league.”The top teams could draw or could get beat by teams at the bottom because you’re either trying to survive (a fight against) relegation, or you’re trying to get promoted. “There’s never an easy game, it’s always hard.”Along with London City, who last December were acquired by American business tycoon Michelle Kang, who also owns US side Washington Spirit, the Magpies are one of the most minted sides in the division.The women’s team went full-time in June last year after being officially assimilated into the club two years ago following Newcastle being taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in 2021.  Following back-to-back promotions over the last two years, Moan’s new club have demonstrated their intent in terms of trying achieve promotion for the third season in a row.Recent signings include ex-Man City full-back Demi Stokes and ex-Chelsea and Reading defender Deanna Cooper, both of whom have experience of winning WSL titles.And the club have also shown their faith in Langley’s leadership by giving their women’s team boss a new long-term contract.Moan said: “Becky and the team have made it quite clear, especially after the double-promotion that they do want to go for promotion.“We know it’s going to be a hard season and you have to work hard and fight for it, and that it might not happen, but we want to at least get into the top four.“We want to get as high as we possibly can and make a good impactlike Southampton did when they came up.“They shot right to the top and stayed up there and I don’t see why Newcastle can’t do that this season.”Former AC Milan midfielder Kosovare Asllani is among the experienced international players who joined London City this yearCredit: RexToday’s trip to Hayes Lane for Langley’s side will see them come up against a side managed by former Paris Saint-Germain Women’s boss Jocelyn Precheur.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis team have boosted their attacking options this summer signing Sweden international forward Kosovare Asllani from AC Milan. This week the club signed forward Isobel Goodwin from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee thought to be a record figure for a Women’s Championship side. More

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      My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s team

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      GABBY GEORGE is leaning on her superstar cousin Jesse Lingard to help her return from a lengthy injury.George, 27, has missed 11 months of action after suffering an ruptured ACL last October, just one month after joining Manchester United women from Everton.Gabby George is leaning on her cousin Jesse Lingard to help her return from injuryCredit: GettyGeorge has spent 11 months out with a ruptured ACLCredit: Instagram @gabsgeorgeeThe Man Utd defender has been talking through her rehab with her cousin Jesse LingardCredit: Instagram @gabsgeorgeeGeorge, who came through the youth ranks at Man Utd like her cousin Lingard, re-joined the Red Devils after leaving for Everton at the start of her career.But her emotional return to Manchester was scuppered when, after just three appearances, she ruptured her ACL and saw her season come to an end before it had even really begun. It wasn’t the first time that she had suffered the devastating injury either, falling to the same fate back in 2020 for the Toffees and missing a year of football.But as well as the experience of going through the rebab before, George has the advantage of relying on a knowledgeable family member to guide he through the tough times.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLingard, who now plies his trade in Korea with FC Seoul, has missed over 100 games throughout his career with injury and knows a thing or two about how to bounce back.George has been able to rely on Lingard during her recovery and is hoping that his help will act as a springboard for her to burst back onto the scene this season.Speaking to MUTV, she said: “I’ve spoke to Jesse quite a lot about my rehab.”I think it is hard to describe the emotions that you go through when you have an injury; there are ups and there are downs like anything in life.Most read in FootballGeorge was injured in just her third game for Man UtdCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s difficult to put into terms when it is something so big to you. “Obviously I have played football for however long and when it is something that is taken away from you, it has been important to have Jesse around, well not around but having him on the phone with him being in Korea now!Jesse Lingard fires wildly over the bar on K League debut”My family have been amazing for me, my little sister she has been amazing for me and to have people around me to just have something else to think about.”Lingard made 232 appearances for Man Utd and will go down in history as an FA Cup hero for the club thanks to his extra-time winner against Crystal Palace in 2016.Now George is hoping to write her own history for the club, but first she is focusing on building up her fitness and minutes during pre-season.She explained: “Obviously minutes are important in pre-season especially when I haven’t played for so long, there hasn’t been the chance to build-up those connections with everyone.”Everyone is doing the same thing but we obviously want to get minutes, build as a team, build our connections and I think that is the most important thing for pre-season and that is on and off the pitch.”Jesse Lingard now plays for FC Seoul in KoreaCredit: Getty More

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      Leah Williamson backs Arsenal to handle Women’s Champions League qualifier pressure in clash with Rangers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON insists Arsenal aim to avoid the hurt of a Champions League qualifier exit when they face Rangers. The Gunners host Scotland’s top-flight leaders tomorrow evening with a place in the first round qualifying final at stake.Leah Williamson and Arsenal are targeting a win against Rangers in their Women’s Champions League first round qualifier duelCredit: GettyRangers are top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League after five wins from their first five games this termCredit: RexThe 7:30pm Meadow Park clash comes almost a year after Williamson’s side were knocked out on penalties last term in the contest’s qualifier stage by French side Paris FC.And the Arsenal centre-back, 27, who was then working her way to back fitness from a ruptured knee ligament, insists her team are eager to get the job done this time around.  Williamson said: “Last year was a hurtful situation. We were left to regret that for the rest of the year.”Everyone knows what it feels like to lose, no one wants to feel like that again.Read More Football Stories “But with this team, one of the benefits, or one of the strengths of the team, is the intensity that we’ve played at.”And when pressure arrives, that sort of tension can be taken out on the way that we play.”The last time Williamson featured in a Champions League fixture for her club was in March 2023.Back then she helped the Gunners overturn a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballThey sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory in a second-leg clash at the Emirates.And it was Williamson’s backheeled assist that teed up Frida Maanum’s stunning top corner strike which put the game to bed.The defender, who made her senior Arsenal debut in a Champions League last eight duel with Birmingham ten years ago added: “That night of football was incredible.”It was the first time I think I really felt the real magic of the Champions League with overturning a 1-0 deficit.”There were so many elements. Frida’s goal was incredible.”And it was the first time on a night like that, with that many people coming out to watch us, when there was rain and it was cold. “But that is actually my core memory when I think about playing in the Champions League. That’s the last game I played in it.”Tomorrow night, regardless of it being a qualifier and not quarter-final, that does not matter to me. “It’s Champions League and I’m very excited to get back involved. “And the opportunity of playing in those knockout games is special because it offers you those special moments if you are on the right side of them.”Arsenal will be without the services of forward Beth Mead and defender Steph Catley with the duo both ruled out due to injury. However the team will have Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in their squad along with new forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji. The Wednesday evening game will pit Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners against a Rangers side with five wins from five games in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.The team are coached by former Arsenal midfielder Jo Potter who also guided her players to a Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup win in March via a 4-1 defeat of Partick Thistle.Eidevall, 41, adds: “They were very, very close to knocking out Benfica who we know are a good European team.“We know the qualification stages is not easy. We need to bring our very best from the first second in the game to the very last, so it’s no underestimating opponents from us.”The victors of tomorrow’s game will face Atletico Madrid or Rosenborg BK in Saturday’s first round qualifier final.And while boss Eidevall sees the push for a WSL title as his team’s “bread and butter”, reaching the Champions League group stage is a priority.He adds: “If you look at football as a global phenomenon, Champions League is what makes European football so special.”It’s what makes the whole world want to come to Europe and compete. “Of course, if I look it (the game) the league (in England) is our bread and butter.”That has to be our foundation. That has to be our main target – to win the (Women’s Super) League.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is eager to see his side reach the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty”But Europe always has to be the vision and it’s going to bring the toughest challenges, it’s going to be knockout football and down to moments.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s the jeopardy of that as well that makes football so exciting.”As a club, I very much see us as a European club then you need to be a part of the competition and be present in the group stages.” More