City primed for Chelsea WSL opener, says Jeglertz | OneFootball

Manchester City head coach Andrée Jeglertz says his squad are hungry and primed for Friday’s eagerly awaited Barclays Women’s Super League opener away to champions Chelsea.

It’s the highly rated Swedish coach’s first competitive game at the helm since taking charge earlier in the summer.

And it couldn’t be a more demanding fixture, sending City to the home of the reigning champions who are seeking a seventh successive WSL title success.

Addressing the media ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, the boss said he was expecting to be able to field a strong and fired up side for the opener.

WSL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

“Yeah, the squad is fine, there’ll always be some small issues. We don’t know exactly on some players but in general we’ll have a strong team on the field on Friday,” Jeglertz said.

“[Facing Chelsea] is the biggest opportunity because also coming to face the team that’s been winning the league for some years

“It’s a good hint of where are we. We think that we’re ready and going in and playing that game, for me it’s just a great opportunity to see what level we’re at right now.

“It gives me guidance and the players this is where we are and where we need to improve.

WATCH: Next Gen launch ‘exciting times’ for City, says Christiansen

“Yeah, really looking forward to it. It has been an intense five weeks, but we’ve done everything we were supposed to do.

“We’re well prepared and definitely ready for Friday. But at the same time I know it’s a lot of players coming in later, so we’re still building a bit.

“But looking at training today, the players are 100% prepared for the game Friday.”

City’s pre-season preparation has seen the side record two behind closed door victories against Durham and Nottingham Forest, as well as a goalless draw with Manchester United.

The boss said those fixtures had helped in terms of the build-up and expectations ahead of the big kick-off.

However, looking ahead to Friday and beyond, he also said an element of patience and understanding would be key as City seek to try and prevent what would be a seventh title in a row for Chelsea.

“I think everything is about playing games because that is where you’re measured,” Jeglertz added.

WATCH: Jeglertz hints at what fans can expect from City's style of play

“For me [I want to] see all players in a game so with that said I think it was crucial for us.

“Only a few games [in pre-season] but that’s how it is.

“The games are crucial in giving us some answers but also what we need to bring with us.

“[Can Chelsea be stopped?] Yes, otherwise I wouldn't be sat here if I thought something else.

“It’s definitely something for the club that they really want us to do. I believe in us, but also there’s something about patience too.

“We’re building some new things. Even if we would like to challenge, we’ll do that but also, we’ll need to grow into the season.

“I said to the players, not everything will be perfect on Friday, but we’ll definitely be ready but we need to have some patience of growing into the season.”