Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband spoke to the media ahead of our Ninja A-League home match against Canberra United.
Husband discussed the teams strong start to the season and how they want to make Our Paradise a fortress also touching on the individual form of young forward Annalise Rasmussen, as well as giving an injury update on Isabel Gomez.
The Mariners are unbeaten after four touch opening fixtures, but it doesn’t get any easier with fourth-placed Canberra the visitors to Our Paradise this weekend.
“We know Canberra will pose threats and we’re prepared”
“Every single game presents a new challenge and my biggest thing for the girls in the first half of the season is putting the performance first and making sure we concentrate on us, not on the opposition.” Husband said.
“We’ve got off to a good start but nothing is won in the first four games, there’s a long way to go so I’m not getting ahead of myself. We know that Canberra will pose threats this weekend and we’re prepared for that.”
Izzy Gomez update:
Husband gave an update on influential midfielder Gomez who was forced off with injury last weekend against Melbourne Victory.
The 22-year-old had started the season in fine form, scoring twice in our opening three matches and earning her first Matildas call-up but unfortunately, will now face a period on the sidelines.
“The tackle on her was really disappointing, it was needless in the area it was in. For her now, she will be missing for a while so it’s up to our medical team to get her back on the pitch as soon as we can.” Husband said.
Razzy’s form and potential
Another Mariners youngster impressing has been 19-year-old forward Annalise Rasmussen who has scored in back-to-back starts for the first time in her career.
“Razzy has so much potential and she’s still so young, it’s really good to see her building on performances last year.” Husband said.
“Last season, she came off the bench a lot and now she’s getting opportunities to start and continue her learning. Her defensive side of the game has come on really well and we know she is fantastic in front of goal. She has the potential to be a really good number nine.”
Match Preview: Rasmussen in focus ahead of Canberra clash
Making Our Paradise a fortress
“Every three points is crucial to us. I don’t look at the ladder at this point, 23 rounds is a long season. For us, it’s just about continuing to pick up points and focussing on the next game in front of us.” Husband said.
“We want to make this place a fortress this year, last year we lost our first game at home so we didn’t get to make our home ground a fortress.
“The more we can hold teams off at home and celebrate with our fans, the more special it makes the occasion”
Watch the full press conference via Central Coast Mariners YouTube
Head to our official YouTube channel for more from Emily as well as Rasmussen’s pre-match press conference.
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