Everton Women manager Jean-Luc Vasseur says he is excited to be part of the Club's "ambitious project" and set out his plan to secure the target of reaching European competition in the future. 

Fresh from leading the Blues to a 3-1 Continental Cup victory over Leicester City in his first game in charge on Wednedsay evening, Vasseur addressed the English media for the first time in a press conference at USM Finch Farm on Thursday.

The Frenchman's focus now turns to WSL action, with Brighton the visitors at Walton Hall Park on Saturday evening (5.30pm GMT).

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And he is hoping the Toffees can use momentum from their midweek cup success as they look to to improve on their current league position of eighth.

“It’s a good start,” he said at his press conference. “We have a good base to work on.

“The next match arrives quickly; we don’t have a lot of time to prepare.

“I have watched footage of Brighton, they’re a good side.

“We have to stay vigilant and prepare in the best way possible.

“We had 16 players on the park last night and I was very satisfied with their performances.

“It’s a good benchmark for our team and gives us something to build upon.”

Vasseur insists patience will be required while he gets to know his new squad and their capabilities - but the 2019/20 UEFA Women's Coach of the Year is confident the team will see progress under his stewardship.

“I joined a week ago so it’s not enough time [to see significant changes],” he said. “We need to make an audit of the team, review the facilities.

“There’s a lot to do.

“We need time.

“However, for my team, it’s always to win but it depends on the talent, injuries, many things.

“My vision is to be ambitious, to grow progress and improve.

“I play to win and to win titles.

“I need to be patient and build this winning machine.”

Izzy Christiansen was named captain for the win over the Foxes in Vasseur's maiden match as manager - but he says the role must not be taken by just one individual and instead called on every player to demonstrate leadership. 

“For me, when I start with 11 players there’s 11 captains," he explained. “Different players offer different leadership qualities.

“There are a lot of leaders for me.

“I will give the armband to many players.”

The UEFA Women's Champions League winner also spoke of his excitement at being involved in a highly competitive domestic league and outlined his targets for the remainder of the 2021/22 season and beyond.

“There’s a lot of teams close to each other, it’s exciting," he added. “There are three or four teams fighting at the top, but we need to reenergise to get into that top three and challenge for the championship.

“That will take time so we need to be in the best place this season and build upon it for next season.

“I’m really happy to what I discovered so far in English football.

“The Blues are an amazing club, big club, big community.

“I love the values of this club.

“Now, we work together now to achieve our goals.

“We will patient but we will be on our way.”

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