Interviews

We've re-set, says Williams

Albion defender looking forward to ultimate WSL test against her former club.

By Bruce Talbot • 07 February 2021

By Gruffydd Thomas
Victoria Williams said an honest chat in the group after last weekend's defeat has seen levels upped in training this week.

Victoria Williams says Albion's players are looking forward to putting things right against Chelsea on Sunday after a re-set this week.

It won't be easy against the reigning champions, who are on a 33-match unbeaten run, but Williams, a former Chelsea player, says Albion will be up for the challenge.

They are anxious to get back on track after a 3-0 defeat to bottom club Bristol City.

“Last Saturday we fell below even the minimum standards we set for ourselves,” said Williams. “The reality of this league is you can't have a week when you clock off, when you slack off even 1 or 2 % you get punished. As individuals we've also had to reflect and ask can I squeeze a bit more out of myself?

“The players had an honest chat where we re-set, reminding ourselves that we haven't become a bad team overnight. We need to get back to basics and training this week has been great, we have really been on it.”

By Kyle Hemsley
Albion were beaten narrowly in their last meeting with Chelsea.

Chelsea away is the toughest test in the WSL at the moment with Emma Hayes' side winning their last 14 home games in a row.

“We're looking forward to it,” said Williams. “We are just desperate for another game and will go into it all guns blazing. We're not stupid, Chelsea are flying and we'll need a top performance but before Christmas when we lost 1-0 to them we gave ourselves a chance of getting something from the game.

“It's important that we don’t concede early. Hopefully, something will go our way on Sunday and it will require maximum concentration from us, but as long we as we bring that energy and commitment we will be fine.”

Williams could have a new teammate in defence after Finland international Emma Koivisto received her international clearance.

“She's been a breath of fresh air, she's so energetic getting up and down from full back,” said Williams. “She's got lots of international and Champions League experience and is the sort of addition we needed. We're looking forward to playing with her.”