By OkayGoal
Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks was proud of her side’s efforts despite their 3-1 defeat to champions Manchester City on the opening day of the new Barclays Women’s Super League season.
A brace from Khadija Shaw and a goal from Mary Fowler sent Manchester City on their way to three points at The Jois Stadium. Océane Hurtré netted a consolation for Birmingham City in stoppage time.
Despite the defeat, Birmingham City boss Merricks said that she was still really pleased with her side’s performance.
“There were so many encouraging signs and actually, a discussion at half-time was about having a bit more belief and positivity when we had the ball,” Merricks said when speaking in the post-match press conference. “I thought we got in some good areas and just lacked a bit of anticipation that we would get there. For me, that’s just down to belief, that’s not quality.
“I’m really pleased with the performance. Obviously, disappointed with the result, but it was always going to be really tough today. I just think the character of the team to keep going right to the end and get a goal back, it just shows what we have in abundance which will take us so far.
“Disappointed with the result, but we’re really pleased with the platform that we’ve given ourselves to build on.”
Merricks went on to say that her side’s opening day experiences will only benefit them going forward.
She said “I really think that the lessons from today’s game will just continue to help us improve and I think we’ll just get sharper and sharper. Obviously, disappointing that we didn’t get a result, but experiencing that in our first game today is massive because now we know exactly what we need to do.
“If we can compete against Man City like that today, then in a few weeks’ time, the ability and the leads that we will go to is really exciting, I think it shows great potential in the team that we have. We had a lot of young players that today was their debut in the WSL, so this was just a massive moment for the whole team, the whole club.
“I’m just really proud of everyone for the showing that they gave, they did not give up at all.”
Birmingham City were backed by some excellent support in the away section at The Joie Stadium and Merricks shared her thoughts on what this backing means to her and the players.
She said “[It means] so much. We went to see them at the end and I’m really pleased with the amount that turned out today. I hope there’s a significant amount more next week when we’re back at home and I know there will be.
I could hear them as well. I think the team need their support, we need their support. They’re fantastic. We’re so lucky to have them. They’ve obviously been on this whole journey with us. I’m proud of them today as well because even right towards the end, I think they acknowledged the performance the team has put in and how tough it can be.
“Massive for us and I hope we see more of them next week at home.”
Birmingham City are back in Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday when they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
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