WNL Preview: City vs Treaty United

Danny Murphy has had a lot to consider after last Saturday’s loss to Peamount, but as the week has worn on, he considers his initial expectation of a game against the runaway league leaders might have been a little too high.

“Look, I had a pop off the players after the game on Saturday and to the press and to be honest, not having a cut off anyone who went before me, but as a staff we’ve not got the girls to the physical level they need to be at, it’s not a lack of desire or effort on their part. I can’t turn around and put everything on them, a lot of these girls are still learning, my job as a coach isn’t just about what I do with them on the pitch, but guiding them on what to do off it, educating them on what they need to do when they’re not at training, giving them gym programmes to stick to, to help them get to the best level they can.”

I’ve gone into training on Tuesday and I’ve said to the players “I’ve got to apologise to you, because you’ve been let down, it’s not about just playing football. You are talented players but how effective have we been as a club in getting you to where you need to be. We as a staff have to be accountable for that. We’re not going to leave any stone unturned. I want success, but so do the players and they’re willing to work hard, they just need that guidance.”

“The things that we need to do as a team and the aspirations that we have as a club, and from the group of players, we’re not quite there physically yet. Technically we are, we’ve got great footballers, but can we play it to the standard and the tempo I want for 90 minutes. I think that the players want it too, they want to get better and win games. We have work to do, but that’s my job, I have to work with the players to get them physically fitter and stronger because I know the football is there.”

The visit of Treaty offers an opportunity to go into the mid-season break on a high, the Shannon-siders are bottom of the table, but Murphy takes nothing for granted. “I’ve rewatched their last three games this week, I’d seen them on LoI TV through the season. Where they are now compared to where they were at the start of the season, there’s a big difference, they’re definitely not a bad team, but they just lack a bit of experience through the squad, they’re physical and strong and have some good players. If we don’t turn up on Saturday, knowing that we’re in for a battle, then we’re in for a very tough game.”

“It’s a Munster Derby, a lot of former City girls on their team, there’s more here than just winning the game. We need to approach the game properly, not play the occasion but win our individual and collective battles as a team, if we do that, ensure we come out on top in one to ones, then the result will take care of itself.”

Tickets for the match are available online via TicketCo here, and will also be available on the gate prior to kick-off!

Can't make it to Turner's Cross? The match will be streamed live & for free on LOITV, with commentary from Joe Seward.