We welcome Sonia Bompastor’s side to the Etihad Stadium for a 14:30 (UK) kick-off on Sunday 23 March, presented by Revolut, in what is our third of four clashes with the London outfit in quick succession.
And after our 2-0 UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final triumph over Chelsea earlier in the week, Cushing emphasised in Friday’s press conference that his team will need to believe we can beat anyone in order to succeed.
“When I first came in, I said you have to believe you can beat the best and go on unbeaten runs,” began Cushing.
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“Now you have to repeat that. We’re fourth because we haven’t been consistent enough. Now we have to be consistent and that will put us in the top positions.
“If you don’t believe after that [midweek win over Chelsea] then you will never believe.
“I heard Chelsea talking afterwards and they said they didn’t believe it was their level so we have to prepare to play a better version of Chelsea [compared to Wednesday evening].
“They have world class talent and they’re not going to enjoy losing a game.
“I expect them to go aggressive.”
INJURY UPDATE | CUSHING PROVIDES SQUAD UPDATE AHEAD OF SUNDAY
Cushing was the first manager to oversee a women’s game at the Etihad Stadium and on Sunday he will return to the technical area in the men’s home ground.
And whilst it will be an exciting moment for the Interim Head Coach, he is also fully focused on making sure his team is prepared for a tough battle against a Chelsea side yet to taste WSL defeat in 2024/25.
“It’s always special for me to lead this football club,” said Cushing.
“Whether it be in America or at the Joie or the Etihad. I hold that responsibility really close to my heart and to have another opportunity to do it in the Etihad against a world-class team is special.
“We have to push for the Champions League spot and we have a job to do so we have to prepare the team to do that job.”
Watch Cushing’s press conference in full via the video above…
