Robert Vilahamn reflects on his first six months: “We are showing that we’re ready to be brave and to do it our way.” | OneFootball

With the festive break seeing us not in action until the New Year, Head Coach Robert Vilahamn spoke to us to reflect on his first six months, the style of football he is trying to install and realising how much the club means to supporters.

Sitting sixth in the Women’s Super League and just three points off last season’s points tally, it’s fair to say that the Swedish manager has certainly made an impressive impression after joining in the club in the summer.

Robert reflected on his first six months in N17 and has been pleased with his start with the club – admitting that they are ahead of schedule - but highlights patience is still needed in the early part of the journey.

“I think we’re already ahead of schedule, because we’ve produced many good performances and results, we’re looking better in the table,” Robert said. “I thought it might take longer to pick up these results, so we’re ahead of schedule in that way, but we still need more time. I’m sure there will still be situations we will have to go through, hopefully nothing like the 7-0 at City, but that’s part of the journey. There will be ups and downs, but we’re looking good going into January.

“We all know our roles, I know the staff and players a little better, know a little more about the club, so I believe we’ve a better chance to make sure we can, for the most part, play well in games, score more goals, more clean sheets… it’s a good first six months, but if you look at the bigger picture, next season is really when we can be very consistent. I still think this season is one to be humble, we’re doing good, but we need to show that we came from a tough position last season and that we know it takes time to change a culture. I feel we are taking really good steps and I’m pleased with how staff and players have adapted to new ways.

“We can look forward, but we have to respect that we’re on a journey and we haven’t laid the foundations fully yet, we’re building them, but we also know what we need for the next step. We also know that being brave is also sometimes risky, like City, you can take a knock sometimes, but we are ready to take that because we’ve shown we are ready to come back and beat Arsenal. We are showing that we’re ready to be brave and to do it our way, but also that we ready to take a knock, because we believe it in for the long-term.”

Our final game of 2023 saw us secure a historic victory over Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – the first-ever win over our local rivals – with Martha Thomas’ prodding home Celin Bizet pass in the second half and the build-up to that goal emphasised the style of football Robert is trying to install.

Robert added: “If you want to play brave football, we talk about it, but to be able to do it against the most in-form team in the WSL, in the derby, at the stadium, on television, we’d never won against them, had a few players out and that’s the winning goal.

“So, if you look at it, it’s perfect timing. It illustrated what we’re trying to do and what we’re aiming for in the future. This goal showed what we should reach for. Okay, we’re not going to do that every game, but’s the style we want to do even more, that’s the bravery and to do it against all teams. Many people didn’t expect us to win that game, and we were brave. It was the perfect way for me to make sure that the players believe it and that it works.”

After having a few days to allow all the emotions to sink in following the victory over the Gunners, Robert realised the impact the team can have on its supporters over the whole world.

Robert commented: “I know the rivalry between Spurs and Arsenal, but you don’t really understand how many people support Spurs when you are not part of it. Now I’m part of it, and I see the reaction on social media, for example, people tagging me from Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the US, you realise how many people have Spurs as part of their lives, and now they are looking at the women’s side as well, similar styles, one club.

“After this game, I realise how many people live for this team, and how many people have been waiting for something like this from the women’s side. Arsenal have been on this stage forever. For me, it’s six months. Don’t forget, we also had a draw in midweek, so it’s not luck. For me, it was, ‘wow’, I’m a manager at a really big club with so much potential. That all sunk in after the game.”