Eva Olid believes her side are in a good place as they prepare to take on Glasgow City in an early season grudge match at K Park on Wednesday night.
It’s been an impressive start from Olid’s side who top the table after the first two matchdays, following comprehensive victories over Queen’s Park and Spartans.
A much bigger test now lies in wait for the women in maroon, who have aspirations of continuing to push the top three sides in the division.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Olid said:
“It’s only the third game of the season, you have to play every team at some point, but sometimes, it’s better to play the top three early as they have a lot of new players, like us, so I’m sure they’re also trying to build that connection, which is why it’s maybe better to play them early in the season.
“The preparation is slightly different as we played Sunday, so it does look a little different, but we prepare with the same intensity as the other two games. That is the message we try to transmit. We’re going to prepare with the same motivation and intensity every week.
“It’s true that our message regarding Glasgow City is of course that it’s going to be a difficult match, and all the players are aware of that. But I feel that we are right in a good moment, especially mentally and that is the most important thing.
“Defensively, we didn’t have to work a lot in our first two matches, so we know that this is a game where we’re going to see where the team is at in different areas and in transitions. And individually, we’re going to see how players react in different situations, this will be a really good indication for us.”
City come into the match following a 1-0 defeat to Celtic, but Olid believes tomorrow’s opponents were unfortunate not to take something from the match and is anticipating an entertaining match, as she urged her players to believe.
“I thought they were the better team on Sunday. I thought they deserved to win. They played nice football and created more chances with the really good players they have. It’s going to be difficult for us, but I think we play nice football too, so I believe it’s going to be a good game.
“I’ve said already that I think we now have key players on the bench that can change the match for us if we need to. This is something new for us and something that is so important if you want to win these matches.
“It is also important that the players believe. The technical staff can be positive and have belief, but if the players don’t’ believe, then it’s not going to happen. They’re the ones on the pitch, they have to believe, and I know they do.”
