Anna Morphet is looking for more ‘grit and fight’ from Wolves Women ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley.
Turf Moor is the venue as the Old Gold look for a response following last weekend’s heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest and after serving her one-match suspension, captain Morphet is eager to play her part in giving a reaction.
Wolves come up against a side with a 100% record in the league but Morphet is looking at the quality within the squad, coupled with the upping of intensity levels, as key factors in giving Dan McNamara’s side the best possible chance of taking points from the game.
On final reflections on last Sunday
“Obviously it was a disappointing result. I think what's disappointing is that we didn't show our true selves, show what we're capable of.
“After reflecting on it, we all know we can do better than that. From a personal point of view, it was difficult not to be involved, but that's gone now and we're looking forward to Burnley on Sunday.”
On bouncing back against a tough side
“I think there's that eagerness now to give a reaction, especially to the fans that were singing and shouting the whole way through the game last Sunday - we want to go and give them something to properly sing and shout about this Sunday.
“Hopefully it will be a great occasion against a tough opponent. We're really looking forward to it.
“It’s difficult on paper. They're a top team, but it's a great occasion with these chances to play at these places.
“I think it’s a good opportunity on the back of last Sunday to go and show what we are capable of against it's a top team. I think it's come at the great time because it gives us that chance to give an immediate reaction.”
On what she wants to see more of from the team
“It kind of comes down to that grit and that fight. I think we've just lost a little bit of tempo in our play, maybe in the last couple of games, and that’s what we really want to bring on Sunday.
“We know how we can play with the ball and the quality we have in the team, but it's that bit of intensity and graft that has got us so much success in the past that we need to really bring back at that top level that we know we can show.”
On what to expect from Burnley
“We’re expecting another tough test. They're a top team and they're going to be up there throughout the season, so we've really got to make sure that we're on it and we're looking forward to it.
“It is going to be a tough test, but we have great quality in our squad, so we will go there and be really positive. Ultimately, these games aren't going to make or break a season, but it’s important that we go out there and we show what we're capable of.”
On the squad depth
“It's a fantastic squad with the likes of Beth (Merrick) coming back and Dest (Destiney Toussaint) back from injury.
“We’re adding to already great quality and depth throughout, which I think is only going to help sustain us throughout the season. I think it's a really exciting team and there's a great togetherness between us.”
On leaders within the group coming together
“You take Sunday, for example. We were led by Perksy (Anna Price) who is obviously such an experienced head and a huge part of the staff and the players.
“We had a chat and we discussed things after Sunday and how we can learn from what happened and that we react in the right way.
“There's a lot of great characters in the group. I think, yes, it has to be the leaders that step forward and push us forward out of maybe a difficult weekend, but there's so many great personalities within the group and I'm confident that we can go through the rest of the season and be successful.”
On playing at Turf Moor
“It’s a great stadium and these opportunities, we don't always get the chance to play at these places - I think it will add to the occasion.
“Ultimately, yes, it's a game, it's a league game and we have to go there and do things properly and look to get a positive result.
“I've never played there before, I know a lot of the girls haven't, so should be a great occasion.”
