Casparij: Stay calm and build on positives | OneFootball

Kerstin Casparij says it’s imperative City build on the positive signs shown during our narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

In what was our first match of the 2025/26 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign, Andrée Jeglertz’s side were edged out by the reigning champions at Stamford Bridge following goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Maika Hamano.

The Blues did pull a goal back after Alex Greenwood’s free-kick found the net via the hosts’ Niamh Charles and it was the least we deserved after recording 17 shots in total across the encounter.

Although we were edged out by Sonia Bompastor’s side in our curtain-raiser, Casparij believes there is plenty to build on ahead of our meeting with Brighton in seven days’ time.

“There are 21 games to go. We stay calm, build on this,” she said.

“It’s a long season, we’re excited to be at home next week against Brighton and see all the fans.

“Especially the second half, I think we played well and unfortunately weren’t able to finish it off. [There are] lots of things to review and learn off, and now onto Brighton.”

Casparij played the full 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge and operated further forward as Jeglertz deployed three central defenders with wing-backs on either flank.

And the Netherlands international is enjoying the attacking freedom under the Swede.

She added: “That’s what we want to do, create chances and get into the final third.

“I think we can improve in the last pass and cross, getting Bunny into more scoring positions as well, but again there are lots of things we can train on.

“It’s something I like to do and am used to it. The second half I was a bit lower, which made it a little bit easier for me and Jade to get the ball and progress the play.

“I like to attack and be in and around the box, so it’s something I can get used to.”