Hearts Women manager Eva Olid has urged her side to enjoy the occasion of Sunday’s Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
The Jambos will take on Spartans for a spot in the final and the Spaniard, who is now in her third season at the helm of the women in maroon, admits it has been quite a journey since arriving in Scotland.
“My first season here, we played in a semi-final, but this time it is at Hampden, which makes it more special.
“Every season, we have improved, but we also have more experience now. We are more prepared for this game now than we were in that first season.
“It is amazing to think that two seasons ago, this team was an amateur team and bottom of the table. To reach a final would be so special. To achieve all of that that in just three seasons, is so special.”
There will undoubtedly be nerves in both camps on the day and Olid believes the most important thing in the build-up is ensuring the players enter the match in the right mental state.
“At the end of the day, it is the players who play. But for me, the most important thing is that the players are ready mentally. If they are mentally good on the day, we will perform well as we have a lot of personality.
“The first time I came to Hampden with Scotland, I was like ‘wow’, and I think the players will have that same feeling, but they have to enjoy it as it's going to be a great experience for them to play at the national stadium.
“On these occasions, the mental side is more important than what you do on the pitch during the week.”
The Jambos have got the better of Sunday’s opponents by a one-goal margin in both league meetings this season and despite Hearts going into Sunday’s match as favourites, Olid is again expecting a tough fight from the Ainslie Park side.
“Of course, we would prefer to play against Spartans than Celtic or Rangers, but that doesn’t mean you will win the game. The first time we played Spartans this season, we won in the last second.
“When you play against Spartans, it is always so difficult because they really fight for it. So, this Sunday is not going to be easy. I think they will play with less pressure than us, which I think will help them perform better.”
It’s a 12:15 kick-off at Hampden Park this Sunday and you can support the team by buying tickets here
