Kirk Outlines Qualities Everton Require For City Success

Everton Women manager Willie Kirk declared the importance of his team imposing their expressive, purposeful brand of football on Manchester City on Sunday as the Blues aim to sustain pressure at the top of the WSL table.

Everton head into the Walton Hall Park clash fourth in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Manchester United.

Sunday’s game represents the Blues’ first since the international break, with Kirk’s team aiming to build on a 1-0 Merseyside derby victory last time out.

The match will be the third time Everton and City have met in competitive matches this season, having already contested a Continental Cup group stage match and the FA Cup final.

The teams also locked horns in a pre-season friendly.

Kirk outlined the qualities his team must show on Sunday to overcome fifth-placed City. 

“We know Manchester City well and they know us well,” said the Scot, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference. 

“It will be another competitive game. 

“The game in pre-season, the Continental Cup group stage match and the FA Cup final have all been competitive. 

“Each one of those meetings has been a slightly different occasion. 

“There are different types of pressure – and this match probably has us in the more favourable position. 

“We’re sitting above them in the league and there is probably more pressure on them to come to our place to try to take something from the game. 

“But we’re not focused too much on Manchester City.

“The main focus will be on Everton – about how we work defensively and work with the ball, and how we’re going to create chances and score goals.”

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03:22

HIGHLIGHTS: EVERTON WOMEN 1-0 LIVERPOOL FC WOMEN

Watch the best of the action from the Continental Cup clash at Walton Hall Park.


Kirk revealed the Everton players who were on international duty have returned to the Club fit and available for Sunday’s game.

Attacking trio Valerie Gauvin, Simone Magill and Claire Emslie continue be sidelined – although Kirk confirmed Northern Irish striker Magill could return for next weekend’s match at Birmingham City.

Following the Birmingham clash, Everton will face Manchester United in a Continental Cup group stage game at Walton Hall Park on Wednesday 16 December before a trip to Arsenal on Sunday 20 December.

“Everybody’s back safe and sound [from international duty], which is the most important thing,” Kirk said.

"Maeva Clemaron has recovered from a knock she picked up before the Liverpool game. She got 30 minutes on the pitch for France and comes back enthused. We’ve got the squad that played against Liverpool [on 18 November], as well as Maeva available.

“We’ve got a big 17 days in front of us. 

“We have four games in that period before the Christmas break and a big focus is now needed for that.”

Kirk also provided an update on France international Gauvin’s rehabilitation progress.

The striker – who has hit six goals in nine Everton appearances – has not featured since the FA Cup final on 1 November after sustaining a muscle injury.

“Valerie is back in France, working with a physio,”  Kirk said.

“It’s good for her to get back across there and have that specialist 24/7 care.  

“It’s progressing well and we’ll hopefully have her back on the pitch early in the new year.”