‘It won’t be easy’ – Spurs set for tough game against Bristol City says Ho | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Martin Ho is expecting a tough challenge when his side travel to Bristol City this afternoon.

The Lilywhites go to the South West looking to seal their qualification for the Subway Women’s League Cup quarter-finals. Spurs need a win to confirm their position at the top of their group.

When speaking to the media in the pre-match press conference, Spurs boss Ho said that the game won’t be easy given the fact that Bristol City are pushing for promotion in Barclays WSL2.

“They’ve done well,” Ho said. “They’ve recruited exceptionally well and will probably do the same in January. 

“I’m aware of the new manager; I’ve worked with and coached with Charlotte [Healy] before. A lot of those players that she has have either been in the WSL and are proven or have been successful in their individual careers. They’ve got experienced players like Sophie Ingle and Vicky Losada and young players who are trying to prove a point.

“I know it’s going to be a tough game, it won’t be easy. They’re pushing the top end of WSL2, they’ve had a really good run in the league and will want to prove a point. They’ll want to de-rail us from moving on in this competition.”

Going on to discuss his knowledge of Bristol City boss Healy’s coaching style, Ho said that his opposite number will have her side well-organised at both ends of the pitch.

He said “I worked with Charlotte for years while I was at Manchester United both in the academy and in a senior capacity. I know her really well; that doesn’t mean I know everything about her as a coach and what she’s trying to do but I know the way she sees football and likes to play football. She’s got that job based on her hard work and commitment to what she does.

“I know that her team will be very well-organised, efficient with the ball; they like to play and are very forward-thinking which is important. Defensively, they are very organised, they make it hard for you to break them down. They’ve maybe played in two different systems throughout the season, so we have to be aware of that if they play a different system.

“I expect a tough game. Charlotte’s a good coach and she has good staff and players around her. We need to be as prepared as possible and we take the game seriously.”

The Subway Women’s League Cup often provides coaches with the opportunity to rotate their squads but Ho confirmed that he will be fielding a strong XI.

He said “I will always put the best team out. Maybe people see it as a competition to rotate, but I don’t take any game or competition lightly. I’m not here to just take part in a game and win or lose.

“I want to make sure we build a winning culture and I will put out the team that I feel will win this game. If that includes changes or not, it’s what I feel is right for the game plan. If the opportunity presents itself to start or come into the game, I’ll give that opportunity when it’s right.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s Subway Women’s League Cup tie at Bristol City kicks-off at 3pm.