Marc Skinner: Head coach “very excited” about challenge ahead | OneFootball

Manchester United Women will face Juventus in their final match of the Champions League league phase.

Progress sealed

The Red Devils have already qualified for the knockout stages, but there is still much to play for.

They could finish in the top four, which would secure qualification to the quarter-finals.

A finish from fifth to eighth could also see them gain home advantage in the last sixteen stage.

The Red Devils will be full of confidence after a remarkable fightback from three-nil down to draw 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur in the final 20 minutes of the game last Sunday.

Juventus

Before the match, manager Marc Skinner spoke to the press in comments covered by the club’s official website.

The manager claimed, “We play a fantastic team that has already been brilliant in this competition, at such an iconic stadium. It will be a really exciting tie. I’m really excited about the way my team are playing.”

He did admit that results have not gone the way he had planned, but he is content with the performances. He also highlighted the challenge of playing Juventus, a team who play in a very different style to what they are used to facing.

Skinner also claimed that United would do everything in their power to finish ahead of the Italians in the table. Juventus are currently one point but five places ahead of United in fourth.

Elaborating on this, he stated the Italians will have different strengths in comparison to Lyon and added, “I think it’s just big-game moments, a different style of refereeing as well – that also plays a part. We just need to make sure we’re fully focused on what we are, who we are with the ball. If we can do that, we can cause problems for any team.”

United will face Juventus at the Allianz Stadium and Skinner commented, “it’s such an iconic stadium, and I think both teams will enjoy playing here. It’s part and parcel of being in the best competition in Europe, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Growth of Women’s football in Italy

Skinner also added that he has not only been impressed with how the Old Lady have conducted themselves in this year’s tournament but also the general growth of women’s football in the country.

He added, “it shows a lot about the growth of the Italian league that a player like [former Arsenal midfielder] Lia Walti has come to play for Juve. I see a lot of talent in their team and a lot of talent in this league.”

Skinner finally stated, “to take on an Italian giant like Juve in this final game is fitting and it’s a good thing for us to do.”

Jess Park

The summer signing was alongside Skinner in the press conference and expressed her joy at being a part of this United team.

She explained, “you can tell by the way that I’m playing at the moment how much I’m enjoying it. I love every single one of the girls and I love playing for United. I’ve competed in it [the Champions League] before. I enjoy any game, any challenge and I think this is the biggest competition, so of course I’ll try to bring that as well.”

Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images

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