Maestre hails London City chemistry after United victory | OneFootball

Anne Butzelaar, Women's Football Editor

London City Lionesses head coach Eder Maestre praised the growing chemistry within his new-look squad after an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester United, insisting their opening-day performance showed the identity they are attempting to build.

Expectations surrounding London City have increased significantly following an ambitious summer transfer window, with Alexia Putellas among a host of high-profile arrivals. However, despite much of the attention being placed on the two-time Ballon d’Or winner ahead of her competitive debut, Maestre was keen to emphasise the collective performance after his side secured all three points.

London City were particularly dominant during the opening 45 minutes, creating several opportunities and preventing United from registering a shot before the break.

“I think we were really strong, mostly in the first half,” Maestre said. “We had many chances to have a bigger gap.

“You are facing Manchester United, so you can’t imagine that you are going to be so dominant all the game because they have a lot of good players. I think the team showed how capable it is to play with dominance, an identity that we are trying to create. So I’m very proud of the team.”

United improved considerably after the interval and eventually pulled a goal back through Simi Awujo in stoppage time, but London City had already done enough to secure an important opening victory.

For Maestre, the performance represented an encouraging first step for a squad that has undergone considerable change over the summer. Bringing together a significant number of new players, from different clubs, countries and footballing backgrounds, has presented its own challenge.

“It’s one of the most challenging situations for any coach, when you have talented players but maybe this clash of cultures and you’re trying to align everybody on the same page,” he explained. “We are trying to create something big where everybody can feel represented. That’s why I am very happy with the performance that we reached today. Having all the players on the same page and trying to start creating that chemistry makes a difference when we work and try to hit the targets that we have established.”

‘It’s not only about Alexia’

Putellas was inevitably at the centre of attention before kick-off.

The former Barcelona midfielder was recently selected as London City captain and made her first competitive appearance for the club in front of a record home crowd, which included a number of supporters who had travelled from Spain.

While Maestre acknowledged everything Putellas can bring to the project, he was reluctant to allow the conversation surrounding the victory to focus solely on his new captain.

“Alexia Putellas, everybody knows all the things that she can create and bring to others,” he said.

“Having this kind of player in the squad is very important because she represents the high standards. Having her involved in the project is not only because of her performance, but the leadership that she can bring.

“But it’s not only about speaking about Alexia. Alexia is only a player. I think the most impactful thing is the way we play as a team, being everybody connected.

“The chemistry that we are building around the players, I think, is the most important thing today.”

Delphine Cascarino, who also played an important role in London City’s victory, echoed her manager’s assessment of the influence Putellas can have on the squad.

“We chose her as the captain,” Cascarino said. “We can see that she’s a really good player, one of the best players in the world.

“She can help us with her experience and her mentality of a winner. We have a lot of young players and she can give some advice to them. It’s really nice to have her and many other players in the team.”

Cascarino also revealed that Putellas had encouraged her teammates to make their hard work throughout pre-season count before they stepped onto the pitch.

“We worked a lot during pre-season, and now we have to make the routine proud,” she explained.

“We have to win every game, especially at home. It was really important to bring the three points tonight. She tried to motivate us and she gave us really good energy to start the game.”

London City determined to ‘build something big’

There is no hiding the ambition surrounding London City this season.

Owner Michele Kang was in attendance for the opening fixture and embraced players following the final whistle, having overseen another significant period of investment in the squad.

Cascarino believes Kang’s presence and ambition have been important as London City attempt to establish themselves among the WSL’s leading sides.

“It’s really important to have her around the team for every game,” Cascarino said.

“She’s a businesswoman and she has a really good vision. She tries to invest in our team, in our club, to build something big.

“We believe in her and we are really proud to have a boss like her. She’s a really big example as a woman.”

That ambition is shared by the players.

Asked whether London City’s squad is capable of achieving something special this season, Cascarino made it clear that the belief exists within the dressing room.

“It feels really fun to win today,” she said. “I think we have a chance to do something this season.

“We try to build something huge with a big team, and I think we have the opportunity.”

Maestre, however, was keen to maintain some perspective after just one match.

London City’s opening performance offered an exciting indication of what their rebuilt squad could be capable of, but their manager knows there remains significant work ahead.

“We need to be humble,” he said.

It was nevertheless difficult to ignore the significance of London City’s performance.

Putellas’ arrival may have generated much of the attention surrounding the club heading into the new campaign, but their opening victory demonstrated the depth of quality around her.

For Maestre, that collective strength and the chemistry developing between his players could ultimately prove far more important than any individual name.

On the evidence of their opening performance, London City’s ambitious project is beginning to take shape.