Eva Olid says three points in Friday’s Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road would be a big step and would hammer home the mental strength of her side.
The Jambos head to Leith in fine form having already racked up 31 goals in their opening five matches, with the only blip on their scorecard being a narrow 2-1 loss to Glasgow City.
Hibs have also started the season well, but Olid is targeting the three points that would see her side leapfrog their opponents in the SWPL standings but acknowledges both teams are in good shape.
“It would be a big step in the league to get a win on Friday,” Olid told the media at the pre-match press conference.
“We’ve never won here [Easter Road]. We got one point, but never three points, so if we could get the win, that what would mean mentally, we are stronger than previous seasons.
“This is my fourth season now, so I’ve experienced a lot of derby matches. Our first season, we were an amateur team, and Hibs were a strong team and every time since then, the derby has been more competitive.
“I think this Friday, both teams will arrive in good shape. I think both teams have better squads than last season. I think it’s going to be a really interesting match. Anything can happen, but it’s always special for the history, but mentally, I try to be like I am always, as if I show that to the team, they will be calm and can be themselves.
“I think the team is in a good shape. With 11 new players, you need time, because half the team is new, and the players need time to connect and adapt to each other, but I think they’ve adapted really quickly.
“We still have things to learn and improve, but I think it’s been a good start. We were frustrated not to get points against Glasgow City, that hurt us a lot because we are demanding and ambitious. That was a big learning experience for us, and I think it’s something that will help us in the following matches.”
Another bumper crowd is expected for the fixture, something that has become the norm when the sides meet at both Tynecastle and Easter Road and tickets will once again be available free of charge.
Olid admits to feeling a sense of pride as the women’s game continues to grow in Scotland and is looking forward to what the future holds for the game.
“It is so nice to see. I remember the first time I saw the captains on the back of the bus, you feel proud at how women’s football is improving. We feel important, that it’s not just men’s football in the city.
“When people come to speak with us in the street, they know who we are and that is a big progression. That is why it’s important that Friday is a competitive game, we show that both teams want to play nice football and it’s something that people can enjoy watching.”
You can watch Eva’s press conference in full on our YouTube channel.
Free tickets for the match are available here.
