Charlotte Healy Press Conference | Bristol City vs Charlton Athletic

Bristol City Women boss Charlotte Healy met the media today ahead of facing league leaders Charlton Athletic in the Barclays Women's Super League 2 on Sunday.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hi Charlotte, you again?

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Good, how are you?

SPEAKER_01 0:02

Yeah, not too bad, thank you. I guess just starting with last week, I guess nearly a week on now, what were your sort of reflections on the game at Sportsmouth?

SPEAKER_00 0:10

Yeah, I thought we started the game superbly. Um, had a really good 20 minutes, I thought, um, caused some real problems and created some really good chances. I think um we didn't poke the bruise enough after that, probably. I thought when we found out how we could hurt them, and um yeah, I think we're disappointed with the with the ruthlessness, if I'm honest. Um and then ultimately, look, I think there's uh there's some appreciation that we've not played a game in three weeks. Um the pitch is is really difficult to play on, and you know, the weather was an absolute monsoon. So, like I said in my post-match, I think when you combine those three things together, I was really pleased with the opening um start of the game and thought we scored a really, really good goal just straight off the training pitch. And um, you know, we've we've then a few minutes later conceded a really fluky goal to be honest. They've got down the sides, and you know, Liv's Liv's got a head on it, and with the weather and the conditions, it's gone in the back of the net. And I think you know, it's one of them if you were sent it forward, it'd have been a fantastic header. But um, you know, on another day it doesn't go in, and um, you know, it was a it was a difficult game, but I I felt that we we more than did enough to win it. Um, you know, and again, decisions gone against us, and you know, two penalties given that you know neither are penalties, and and ultimately it's cost us points again. So it's really frustrating and it's disappointing, but we have to hold on to the positives that that we can take out of the game and and we have to take them into this weekend.

SPEAKER_01 1:38

Have you had any contact with anyone about the penalties? Are you able to like put your point across with those sort of decisions?

SPEAKER_00 1:45

Yeah, I again had another apology. Um spoke to them on uh Tuesday morning this week, and yeah, I think um, you know, they've yeah, confirmed that it's you know, they should not touch her. So for me, it's the it's yeah, the the fact that no Portsmouth player appeals free the penalty, I think is a is a big giveaway. Um yeah, and it's really hard because the rebound, we do so much work on being first to it, hitting rebound zones, getting in certain areas, and Gemma does really well. Um and I I just can't fathom, like I said, that when when the linesman is that close, he's five yards away, not even that, that we can't get these decisions right. Um so look, it's tough to swallow, it really is. Um, but like I said, we have to take the positives from the game, and you know, we've got to get ourselves to the point where even when those decisions go against us, can we go and nick it and and be a team that can scrape by in those games? But um, yeah, I think you know, yes, the results are frustrating, but but there are certainly things that we can take into this weekend.

SPEAKER_01 2:45

I'm not trying to trip you up on the sort of like penalty and all that stuff, but it does feel like when we've had these conversations this season, it do you feel like that rubber the green's not really gone your way this season? But I'm thinking back to Sophie's red card right at the start of the yeah, there's there's been a few like that this season.

SPEAKER_00 3:00

Yeah, there's been a number that I think have gone against us. Um it's yeah, it's it's difficult because yeah, you you know, somebody told me, you know, oh they they you know they figure themselves out across the season, you know, we're gonna have a really good six games if that's if that's the case. Um, so yeah, I mean look, it's it's tough to swallow, and and like I said, it's I think it's cost us a huge amount of points, um, which I think is what is the most difficult part of it. Um because I think if you know those results go our way earlier on in the season, we have a bigger cushion than we've got. And then, you know, you you want to get in in flow this this side of the season and um you know put some points together and some wins and some performances. And um, you know, like I said, if if the decisions go our way on on Sunday, we win the game and and we're flying into this week. But we've got to make sure we fly into this week anyway. We can't do anything about last week and now we've got to take the positives, we've got to apply ourselves, and we've got to, you know, do our best to win the game on Sunday.

SPEAKER_01 3:58

That ruthlessness, I think that's something you mentioned a few times this season as well. I just wonder what you I know it's it's clear that's what you feel is missing. I I wonder what you feel that's down to, whether it's is it a lack of confidence, or is it just someone needing to grab the grab the game by the scruff of the neck a little bit?

SPEAKER_00 4:14

I think so. I think um, you know, we've you know when we when we reviewed the game, um, we were really pleased with the areas of the pitch we got into and the quality of chance that we created. Um, and then it is just that composure in the in the final third and that bit of quality to um to find those corners. And look, the the the games in this league are separated by real small margins, it's real fine margins, you know. Every game on Sunday was separated by a goal. Um, so you know, Charlton are a prime example of that of a team that can find a way to win. Um, and that's what teams have to do if they want to be successful in this league is we've got to find opportunities where we can hurt Charlton, but then when we get those opportunities, be really ruthless. So that's what we've been working on this week is getting into the areas of the pitch we think we can hurt them and then making sure that we're really clinical.

SPEAKER_01 5:06

They first defeating their last last week, I guess. Yeah. What do you make of them as a cyber zone? It was a really competitive game at the valley earlier in the season that again, maybe a bit of more luck could have gone your way. What do you make of them at the moment?

SPEAKER_00 5:17

Yeah, I think look, Charlton are a very well-drilled team, very well-coached team. Um, I think Hilsey's done an amazing job with them. You know, they've built that team over a number of years, and you can see that you know, they run and they fight and they're aggressive and they're organised. And um, it's our job on Sunday to disrupt that, to make sure that we that we hurt them and that we hurt their shape and that we make them defend. Um, because they're a team that, you know, yes, they've you know, they would be disappointed losing, you know, certainly the goals they conceded against Portsmouth, but ultimately you don't go unbeaten for as long as they did without being a good team. Um and like I said to you, they find a way to win. They found a way to beat us at the valley. Yes, referee decisions went against us, but they still found a way to win. And um, you know, that comes with experience, it comes with time, it comes with togetherness, it comes with um, you know, connections and getting the best out of teammates in each other. Um, you know, and we we have to get to that point too. Um, again, you know, but we're like I said, we know where we are on our journey still. We've got a lot of new players that are still gelling and and we're, you know, trying to figure out the you know how they as as players get the best out of each other on the pitch. So um I think Trouton are a team that you see that they could do that and they know each other inside out and and they find ways to nick it. So we've got to be ready for that on Sunday. We um, you know, I expect us to have more of the ball, I expect us to to dominate possession, but we know they're a threat, we know they like to deliver crosses, we know that they score goals from range. So we've got to be aggressive to get pressure on the ball and make sure that they can't do that. Um, and then it's about us and it's about our quality, and like I said, getting ourselves into areas of the pitch that we think can hurt them and and being ruthless when we do.

SPEAKER_01 6:56

In terms of that game of um November time, isn't it? How much can you take from that experience? And because obviously you gave them a really good game that day. How much can you take from that?

SPEAKER_00 7:07

I think we can take real um you know, confidence from how well we played, certainly in that first half. I think we were, you know, from what I remember, I don't think we had a fit centre half for that game either. I remember Sophie playing playing centre half, and you know, we we still created some real good chances. And again, if you know if penalty decisions and recargoes, did decisions go our way, I think we win that game. So um we have to go back to how we hurt them. I felt that when we were chasing the game, we didn't make them defend enough. Um, and I think we definitely learned lessons from that in terms of you know, how do we actually cause them more problems and just playing everything in front of them? That's what Charlton want. We can't be a team that plays side to side. We've got to be brave to play through shapes and and round shapes and over shapes and ultimately make teams defend. And I think if we can do that, we've got quality that can hurt them. But it's yeah, it's that ruthlessness and that quality in the final third that we're going to need on Sunday.

SPEAKER_01 8:00

In terms of seniors, I know Jessie came off quite early in the second half last weekend. That how's she?

SPEAKER_00 8:05

Yeah, she's she's got a pretty bad dead leg. Um, so she's trained today, which is a positive. So um, she didn't train the first half of the week, but uh she's been in full training today, which is obviously a positive for us. Um, you know, especially not having Rio available.

SPEAKER_01 8:19

I mean, too. I think you mentioned after Sunday that you're hoping to have a few more back this week as well as any anyone available that wasn't last weekend.

SPEAKER_00 8:26

Yeah, Daf will be back in in the squad. She's available for Millix. Harley will be back in as well. So um, yeah, I think again, you know, that's uh I think Daff's been a huge, huge miss for us. I think in terms of having um, you know, her quality and and her consistency. Um, you know, we've we're able now to have a bit more on the bench as well in terms of our depth. Um we've been we've been short number wise on the bench for a couple of weeks. So I think look ultimately the the more fit players we can have on the bench and in the squad, the uh the more we're able to change games, um, you know, and the better quality training is as well, of course. So having her back available will be will be really important for us. And and like I said, the players um we've got to come off and change the game because for me, when we've been at our best this season, it's when we've been able to make changes and um you know impact games off the bench. I think we did that really well over certain games and certain spells. So yeah, having that depth again will will really help us do that.

SPEAKER_01 9:22

I know when we've spoken to you before about the table, you've always kind of focused on the fact if you do your job, you're gonna end up where you'd like to be. I just wonder in terms of dynamic, when I guess you're in that sort of chase impact now, if you look at it as it is, does that does that change your approach at all? Does that change the pressure within the building at all? Like that I guess that you're feeling that you're putting on players as well, you know, that sort of mood?

SPEAKER_00 9:44

Yeah, I think from my point of view, like I won't look at the table between now and and the end of the season because ultimately um everybody is playing everybody, you know, in that in that top half. Um I look, you know, Newcastle obviously got a great result on Wednesday night, and you know, you look at their running, they've got to play everyone still. Um, you know, um the teams around us, Palace, Birmingham, uh, everybody has got to play everybody yet. So I think there'll be lots of trapping and changing in that table. I think from our point of view, um, you know, nothing has changed. We want to give it everything we've got. We want to make sure that we continue to make progress. I think we've made huge progress on and off the pitch this year. Um, you know, and of course, and if that ends that we're in a a playoff spot or an automatic promotion spot, then of course that's the icing on the cake. But what we can't do is lose sight on the good that we've done and what we've built and what we're continuing to build on and off the pitch. We had a lot of work to do this year, um, you know, from that day one of having I think six players signed. Um so we we have to hold on to that and we have to make sure that every day we're making progress. And you know, if we win all our games between now and the end of the season, you know, where we've end up in the table will be will be a positive place. But yeah, look, we've got some big games and nothing changes. We prepare in the same way. Um, and whether you know we're in that third place playoff spot or not, um, our attitudes to winning games won't change because um that's who we want to be. We want to be a team that has a winning mentality and um goes into every game wanting to win and fighting to the end. And um, you know, if we do that, I think that that table will trap and change a lot between now and May.

SPEAKER_01 11:16

Obviously, it's three more to come at home back back to back home games. Uh, you didn't said that much you've enjoyed playing at Ashton Gate. You uh you make that a fortress that has such an effect, doesn't it, in this last block?

SPEAKER_00 11:26

Yeah, yeah, we have to. I think we've um, you know, we were disappointed with our performance against Southampton. But I think if I'm honest, that's the only game we've not performed at Ashton Gate. We've had some real good performances. We've we find our flow there, and um, you know, having the fans in really makes a difference for us. So we want to make sure that you know, I've said before, that we can entertain fans and we put on performances that they want to come and see. And you know, we've got some really exciting games between now and the end of the season that um if I was a fan, I'd definitely be getting myself to. Thank you, Dan.

SPEAKER_02 11:59

Hello Charlotte.

SPEAKER_00 12:00

Hey Andrew, how are you?

SPEAKER_02 12:01

I'm very well, thank you. Enjoying the sunshine. How's training been with this weather?

SPEAKER_00 12:05

It's been lovely in the sunshine, Andrew, to be honest. It's uh we've not seen the sun for a long time in Bristol, so it's been a really nice week, to be honest, where we can um yeah, not be blown away on the training pitch. So that's been nice.

SPEAKER_02 12:19

Yeah. Has that helped kind of get through the frustration of the the uh well, let's say the referee decisions and result at the weekend?

SPEAKER_00 12:27

Yeah, I think it helps mood, doesn't it? I think everybody feels better in the sunshine and it definitely helps in terms of um, you know, what you're able to do on the pitch because you know, when the weather's as bad as it has been for us, it's uh, you know, you can't stop stand still too much and spend too long. You know, a lot of your explanations are done inside, and and then the the coaching on the pitch is you know is is quicker and it's more direct and it's um you know more individualized. You you can't shout in some of the weather we've had across the pitch. So it gives us a little bit more time to to look at pictures and um make sure that we're getting the detail out on the pitch. And um yeah, it's uh just an all-round better vibe, isn't it, when the sun's out.

SPEAKER_02 13:08

Yeah, I the the penalty uh decisions that were in the game against Portsmouth. Um I'm definitely not putting words into your mouth, and I don't for a second think that you think this, but some younger fans who I've you know have spoken to about the game looked at that and said, Well, surely that's the referee uh deliberately wanting to give a penalty to Portsmouth. If they've given that this missed it and then they've given one for something that's clearly not a penalty, is there something in that this is what they're saying, I'm not asking you this question. Is there something in that that um uh the the the penalty sort of the the referee is really trying to um give that decision? And I I mean I don't want to think that, I don't think that, right? But then the um decision about the who won the Afcon Cup was changed in the week, right? So that there was a football match that happened, and during that football match somebody broke the rules, and so they've gone back and they've looked at it and said, we're changing the result. Would you like to see that happen in fixtures like this?

SPEAKER_00 14:16

Oh that's a bit that's a big old question. Um I think look, uh you know, referees don't make wrong decisions on purpose. That's that's absolutely for sure. I don't doubt that at all. I think yeah, my frustration is that I think the linesman is in a better position to make the decision and didn't. So that was my frustration with the with the decision. Um look, I think the why sport is so good is because there's a human element to it, and I think um, you know, it's not particularly my opinion, but I think that's people's frustration with VAR is that it takes the human element away, and we've got to I guess protect the game too. That you know, sometimes decisions are wrong and and we have to swallow it, it doesn't mean it's easy. Um, but yeah, I think um I think we have to trust that everyone is doing the best, and you know that that I think it's um I think with with two linesmen and a a fourth official and a referee, I think you know it's it's probably a communication issue more than anything else. And um, you know, with more experience, I think, you know, potentially those decisions are different. Um but yeah, it doesn't help the frustration in the moment, that's for sure.

SPEAKER_02 15:26

No. Uh so it's a a run of four winless games, which is uh disappointing. Um before the January transfer window, you're talking about the team being a bit one-dimensional. Do you feel that's changed? And if so, why this run?

SPEAKER_00 15:42

Yeah, yeah, it's a good question. I think look, we were you know what being one-dimensional isn't a bad thing, but we we when you know when teams blocked up as against us, like I said, I said before the window, we almost had to score the most perfect goal. I think we've added pace and quality in in Robbo and Jesse on the front line. And um, you know, I think look the you know, Jesse scored some really good goals for us. Robbo's um contributed, she got an assist at the weekend. So um, you know, for me it's more that we've we've not been ruthless enough. I think we've uh you know, apart from the Southampton game, which I was really dis you know disappointed in, um, it's probably the only time I've not really recognised us. I think in every other game, you know, you've seen we've seen enough of us. Um, you know, I go back to the the Southampton game when we played them, you know, in the FA Cup. I thought it was a real tough game, and we've we've done enough um to win it, I think, in 90 minutes, but again, probably not ruthless enough. And then, of course, we win it an extra time. I think Ipswich we weren't at our best, but we still had enough chances to win the game. Um, you know, Palace, I thought we were much the better team again. Decisions go our way, we win the game. Um, but that you know, when the manner in which they score their quick goals, then you know it's it makes it hard to get back in the game. Um, and then like I said, the Southampton game we were frustrated with and we were disappointed with. But um, again, if we have results go our way earlier on in the season, you know, those games happen. You don't go through a a season with as much change as we've gone through, um, you know, without difficult games in this league. The Arsenal game, I thought we were absolutely superb. You know, we were we did it, we're putting a real good performance against, you know, the best team in the world, and I think there's positives again we can take from that out of possession. Um, and then of course the Portsmouth game, look, we want to win the game, and you know, people look at the table and think we should win the game. We did enough to win the game. Um, but you know, we've just we've got to get ourselves over the line, and and that's the next challenge for this group is that how do we get a real ruthlessness about us? Um, you know, where we can turn those even games into wins for us and we can, you know, smash and grab a little bit, and um, you know, it doesn't always look perfect for us. Um, so that's the challenge, and that's the next evolution of this team, I think, is that we have a real winning mentality, and if we get three chances in a game, we can take two of them and win the game. Um, but it comes with time and it comes with your team gelling, it comes with connections, it comes with um understanding people's strengths and how to get the best out of each other, and it comes with flow. So, you know, the number of signings we've made this season and again more additions in January. Um, you know, we've we've we've when we get in our flow, I think we're really good. Um, but we've got to do that more consistently and we've got to show more of ourselves for for 90 minutes because I think when we do that, um, you know, we're a really, really hard team to play against.

SPEAKER_02 18:36

So is that something you're thinking about from the from the summer's point of view and other people around you, is sort of keeping this team together as a core?

SPEAKER_00 18:45

Yeah, I think look, when you when you go through change, it's really important that you keep pillars and that you grow on it. Um, because if you constantly evolve and chop and change, you you lack consistency. And I think I've said it so many times, but if you look at the teams who have been the most consistent this year, your Charlton's and your Birminghams, they're teams that have been built over longer periods of time. So what we have to do is make sure that we continually evolve and we continually get better and we continue to add more quality. Um, but we have to make sure that um, you know, we we keep some consistency and we keep some foundations to build on because um we've had a lot of change on and off the pitch this year. You know, it's we've had a lot of change on the pitch, but I think you know, we have to take into account the change off the pitch too for the players, you know, whilst it's positive change and um, you know, a really you know incredible investment from from Mercury 13, it takes time to embed change and um you know staffing changes and expanding the workforce and all those things, you know, it's it's uh it's different and it's something that the players aren't used to. So again, that you know that impacts performance and you know, none of those things are negative, but I think we are we have when you embrace change, communication is important and consistency is important and um you know that comes with time.

SPEAKER_02 20:04

I've had three people who want me to ask you this question, so I'm going to ask it. Um Amelie Tessra was a bit of a fan's favourite last season. She's now playing for Charlton. Um can you shed some light on why she's not playing for Bristol City anymore?

SPEAKER_00 20:20

Uh no, because that decision happened before I was in post, so I couldn't I couldn't tell you.

unknown 20:26

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 20:26

Sorry.

SPEAKER_02 20:27

Listen, I knew that was the answer, but they asked me to ask. Um so there was another piece of news which I was thought was quite interesting, which was that um every uh women's team in a tournament, FIFA tournament, must include one female head coach or assistant coach. What do you think about that?

SPEAKER_00 20:48

Uh I mean, I think it's it's been happening, hasn't it, in the youth age roots for quite a while. I think ultimately one of the key pillars that you know FIFA and UEFA and the FA have spoken about for many years is um the amount of female coaches that are within the game. I think um, you know, ultimately that move I guess provides more opportunity, which I think is important if we want to produce more female coaches. I think it's you know important to note that it's assistant or head coach. I think um, you know, there's some real good males in the women's game too that um are really dedicated to women's football and have added a lot of value over the years and will continue to add a lot of value. So I think it's really important that we don't make this men v women. Um, because I think, yeah, you know, I've got an assistant male coach here who adds a huge amount of value to me. I've got some really good male staff in the in the environment, but um we know that female staff are underrepresented um across football and and women's football. So it's really important that um we see the value women can add as well. We're we're probably the opposite. I think we've got 65% of our workforce is is women and females. And yeah, the what's really important is if we're gonna um say that we want more female coaches and more female staff that we provide opportunity and and sustainable jobs for them because um you know it that's the only way that we're gonna gonna see an increase.

SPEAKER_02 22:18

Yeah. Um I I just this is an anecdote really, but uh I know one person very well who's 14 years old, she plays football, and she's decided she doesn't want to play football anymore, she wants to be a coach, um, and she's looking around for how you do that as a 14-year-old. There aren't many options, it has to be said.

SPEAKER_00 22:34

No, I think at that I mean at that age it's about getting your badges right, getting as much experience as you can, working with boys, working with girls, working in senior football, and you know, those those opportunities and experiences that you get at a younger age are really important. But I think, yeah, as the as the women's game is professionalised, it ultimately if you're asking people to to go and have a career in the women's game, there has to be ample opportunity because you know you look at the amount of clubs in the in the football league. If a if a manager gets sacked in the men's game, there's there's ample opportunity to go back into the men's game. I think in the women's game it's difficult. You know, there's WSL 1 and WSL two and a few teams in tier three that are full-time. Um, but ultimately you're you know, you're relocating your life and your family life every time that you have to move for a job. And I think you know, there's a reason we've seen a lot of female coaches go into international football of late, albeit some coming back now. But yeah, opportunity and security is really important if we're gonna go grow the game and and want females to to take those jobs because um you know it has to be sustainable.

SPEAKER_02 23:41

So growing the game is great, growing this football club is uh better. So uh I at the weekend when you were playing, I was down at Ashton Gate among the record crowd for a League Cup final. Uh, does that concentrate the mind of you and Mercury 13 about the opportunities in this part of the country for top-class women's football?

SPEAKER_00 24:02

Absolutely, absolutely. I think um, you know, I watched the game back and you know, to see Ashton Gate fall like it was. I was really lucky to be, I was on the other side, obviously, at Manchester United at the time when we played Bristol City in the WSL at Ashton Gate, and that was that record attendance. And you know, we left as at my as Man United, we left the ground. Like, wow, that was you know, that was some turnout and you know, an incredible um showcase of what women's football can be. And I think, yeah, absolutely the dream is that you know we get to a place where we can do that week in, week out. And I think the club are doing some fantastic work on you know building the fan base and opportunity and activations. And um, you know, Emma, our project manager, has some really good work with um connecting our women's team to the community and making sure that you know we're we're represented and that we um give our time and um you know make sure that people know that there's something to come and watch at Ashton Gate because it's our job as a state to make sure that we we put on performances that can get people to come back, but ultimately we have to spread awareness and um we know when we get to the WSL that the crowds of course will go up. And um, you know, I think the the weekend was a really good showcase of what of what could be. So absolutely it's an aspiration. I think even having the game at Ashton Gate is a testament to to how hard everybody at the club and um at Ashton Gate works to um you know to provide what they provide for us. So um yeah, hopefully uh it's a glimpse into the future for us.

SPEAKER_02 25:33

Yeah, absolutely. Um one last anecdote, then I'll let you go. I met somebody in the week who was a um she's a rugby fan. And uh in the year of Bristol City being in the WSL, she um she came along to some games and got the hook and is now a season ticket holder, um, you know, in WSL two. Yeah, I mean that's just lovely, isn't it? And um for her and everybody else who's going on Sunday, is it a must-win match?

SPEAKER_00 26:01

Every game is a must-win match for me, Andrew. I think um look, we there will be so many turns, I think, between now and the end of the season. Of course, look, we've um you know, we've dropped more points than we've wanted to the last the last couple of games. I don't think all the performances have um have necessarily deserved us to not get maximum points, but ultimately, if we want to be, you know, third, second, first, we have to win our remaining games. We know that. But um, you know, we're not ramping up added pressure. I think the way that we've prepared all year is that we want to win every game and we want to be the best prepared team. Um, you know, and I feel like we are well prepared. I think we've trained really well this week. Um, we've had a really good session today, and you know, we have to make sure that we can execute it. But yeah, the more fans that can come and help us get over the line on Sunday will, you know, the better, because we're in no doubt this will be a tough game. Trouton are a good team and they're sitting top of the table and you know, having having lost their game last midweek, they're gonna want to, you know, get that league wrapped up as quick as they can. So it's our job to make sure that we stay competitive and and we give it our very best. And I absolutely know we've got the quality to really hurt Charlton, but we've got to believe, and we need the fans to believe and and get behind us and you know, hopefully a good performance and three points on Sunday.

SPEAKER_02 27:18

You know what? We always believe. Um, good luck on Sunday.

SPEAKER_00 27:21

Thank you, Andrew.