In the space of seven days, City face Birmingham and Reading in the FA Women’s Super League, sandwiching a crucial Continental Cup group stage clash against Leicester City.
While this year has proven tough for Taylor and his squad with injuries and a difficult period of results, the Head Coach has urged his side to build some momentum ahead of the new year, as we look to contest for silverware in the ‘business end’ of the campaign.
CITY+ | SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
“It’s a busy period but definitely one to look forward to,” he told mancity.com.
“We probably could have done without the international break after the Aston Villa performance but that’s what happens.
“You’ve just got to be ready to play in quick succession and understand that there’s going to be a period and opportunity to recover, look to get some key players back in start to work on a few more things and be ready for the next game.
“More often than not, the performance has been there – even in some of the games we’ve suffered in.
“We’re starting to see a lot more rhythm in our play now and we’re improving our decision-making in both boxes.
“It’s a good opportunity for us and gets us in a period of three games in seven days going into the winter break.”
WATCH: Match highlights: City 5-0 Aston Villa
City travel to Leicester in our final Conti Cup group stage game having faced the Foxes twice already this season – our league encounter a little more than a month ago.
Despite falling behind to a Jess Sigsworth goal in the opening minute, the away side rallied to storm to a 4-1 win, showcasing some of our very best football at the King Power Stadium.
Taylor was pleased to see his team earn the result they deserved and hopes to witness his team produce more performances of the same quality.
“That game was a test of character after going behind early,” he reflected.
“I think the players really stuck to the principles, were really brave in the way they played and we completely dominated after that.
“Sometimes you’re not so fortunate in those games and don’t get what you deserve but we did on that particular day and we followed that up afterwards with another win in the league against Villa to finish off before the international break.”
WATCH: City stars paint Club badge in support of rainbow laces
Wednesday night’s meeting marks a must-win for City, who sit top of Group B with six points from three games – level with Manchester United and Everton.
With the Reds and Toffees locking horns and only first-place guaranteed to progress to the knock-out stages, three points are imperative for City, who also have a superior goal difference.
Three-time winners of the competition, Taylor has his sights set on a fourth success, admitting his side can leave no margin for error in midweek.
“It’s a competition we’ve been successful in and we take them all really seriously,” he added.
“None of these competitions are easy. Even in the Conti Cup, you get the same amount of games as you would in any other competition so it doesn’t make it any easier to win and be successful in.
“We need to go to Leicester, we need to put on a performance, and try to win the game and then we know it gives us a really good opportunity to get through to the quarter-finals.”
City face Birmingham City on Sunday 12 December (14:00), Leicester on Wednesday 15 December (19:00) and Reading on Sunday 19 December (14:00).
Check out mancity.com and our official app for coverage of each game, while tickets for all home games are available.
WOMEN’S TEAM HOME TICKETS | BUY ONLINE
Our visit of Reading will also be available to watch live on CITY+ with a subscription costing just £1.99 per month while also granting access to full-match replays of all Men’s Women’s, EDS and Academy fixtures, as well as original documentaries and selected live broadcasts.
