Women's

Whelan: We won't change our approach

Fern Whelan is encouraging her Albion team-mates to take encouragement from the recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea heading into today's game against Arsenal, and says the side are not intimidated by taking on the league’s very best teams.

By James Hilsum • 29 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Fern Whelan speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's match against Arsenal.

Albion face an Arsenal side that has recaptured its previous glory days by winning the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title last season, and Whelan spoke about the belief within the squad heading into today's game.

She said, “I’ve had years of playing against Arsenal in the past. When I was playing for Everton, they were at the top before going through a transition period, and now they are back at full strength again.

“It will be one of our toughest games all season, but the girls have built up some confidence coming off the back of the Chelsea game and proved we can get points against these teams.

“We may have been a bit naive in the past and get overawed by a side like Arsenal, but it’s another team we’re coming up against and it doesn’t change how we’re going to approach the games. Everyone is looking forward to it.”

Whelan spoke about the support she has received from Hope Powell after being ruled out with a long-term Achilles injury, and explained how she has got into good habits ahead of matchdays.

“I’m feeling a lot better now. Hope has been very supportive and I’ve been able to bounce back very well.

“Overall I’m feeling very good and strong. I’m managing training a bit better and know that I may not be able to do every single session in the week, but the game at the end of the weekend is the most important thing.

“I want to make sure I’m in the best-possible shape going into the games that we play. Pre-season has allowed us to develop that routine.”

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Whelan's Arsenal press conference

The centre-back also commented on the incredible team spirit within the squad, and how everyone is valued in exactly the same way, regardless of their experience levels.

“We all treat each other as equals, no matter if you’re an international just coming back from the World Cup, or if you’re a player who’s never played against Arsenal in their life.

“We don’t treat anyone any differently. It’s the same across the board and that’s what is great in this team. It doesn’t allow any egos to set in and we all have the same goal for the season.”