Gareth Taylor’s side face Chelsea on Sunday in a crunch FA Women’s Super League clash, seeking what would be a crucial three points against the reigning Champions as we bid to climb the table.
Although City have endured a difficult start to the campaign and were eliminated from the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals at the hands of Chelsea a fortnight ago, summer recruit Kennedy says the squad are fully focused on securing the trophies still on offer with the team doing all they can to improve the Club’s fortunes.
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“It’s not even on the radar for us to throw in the towel,” she told mancity.com.
“Whether people on the outside have said our season is over, that’s the first I’ve heard of it here at the City Football Academy.
“The mentality of this team – or the mentality of any player who wants to play at this level – is that you’re always striving to be the best.
“When you’re in a squad of players who demand such high expectations and are used to being more successful, you always have people who have that mentality to want to bounce back and we’re all working hard.
“That’s been really good: having that consistent mentality to drive the standards. It’s about positivity around the team and we’ve done a good job of keeping that, including the coaches.
“We’re confident in the team we have and the processes we have. It hasn’t ben a great start to the season but by no means does that mean our season is done.
“We’re all looking to turn things around and the morale and feel around the team is all geared to a positive outcome this season.”
With Taylor’s side facing Chelsea and Manchester United in successive games over the next seven days, the squad will need no extra incentive.
Having experienced her first taste of Derby Day in October, Kennedy relished the experience of the thrilling 2-2 draw, as City produced a gritty comeback to salvage a point late on with ten players.
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The Australian international, who earned her 100th cap for her country during the last international break, also highlighted the importance fans can contribute to inspiring that fighting spirit.
“It was an interesting match!” she laughed. “It was good for me and the occasion itself is enough to spark excitement.
“Last season, we didn’t really play in front of crowds so it was nice to see a decent crowd turn out and they were loud so it was a great atmosphere.
“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve shown signs of better things and in terms of the way we stayed in the game with a player down, that was probably a sign of the change in our season.
“It will be good for us to bounce back in these games. We want to really push on now and make sure we’re getting results.”
Tickets for all City home games are on sale. Hear more from Alanna in the next edition of the City Magazine…
