WSL: Robert Vilahamn aims to end Tottenham Hotspur season on a high | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League on Easter Sunday. Head coach Robert Vilahamn spoke to the press ahead of their home fixture at Brisbane Road this season.

With just four matches left in the WSL this season, Villa are fighting to avoid relegation. They are currently second from bottom on 13 points, with just three wins on the board all season. Meanwhile, Tottenham are looking to end the season on a high and take the three points on Sunday.

Despite edging relegation, Vilahamn has praised Aston Villa’s ‘top players’ and says they have showcased their strength in attack. Tottenham will need to maintain a ‘high press’ and prevent goal threat to secure themselves a final win at Brisbane Road this season.

Tottenham team news ahead of Aston Villa

Spurs are another team victim to the international break overload, with three squad members picking up knocks. Matildas stars Hayley Raso and Charli Grant, along with Swiss international Luana Bühler are sidelined this weekend. Vilahamn confirmed Grant picked up a minor knock and should return in a few weeks. However, Raso and Bühler are likely to miss the rest of the season.

On a positive note, the captain is in contention to start on Sunday. Bethany England has scored almost every goal from open play for Tottenham Hotspur this season, being the difference in winning and losing games. Her muscle injury forced her out of the squad in recent weeks, but she is set to return this weekend.

In Vilahamn’s words ‘she’s probably one of the best finishers in the league’ but is valued beyond her contributions to goals. Her leadership both on the pitch and the training ground give the players confidence and drive to succeed. This is a huge boost ahead of Villa.

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Regarding transfer news, Eleanor Heeps renewed her contract with the club until 2028. The academy goalkeeper has worked her way through the ranks and earned herself an extension.

“Goalkeepers are tricky to find all over the world, so when you can find someone in house that you can develop,” Vilahamn said.

Ending the season on a high

It’s safe to say that Spurs struggled this season, falling short of their expectations in the league and cup competitions. In the final weeks, Vilahamn wants to pick up some points and play the Tottenham way again.

Based on their performance against Leicester in the WSL, Spurs were creating chances and performing at a better level than previous weeks. In the manager’s eyes, playing with their own style and proving themselves a threat to the opposition is as important is winning the three points. It is vital to continue this progression in play into this weekend.

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A lack of confidence has certainly contributed the lack of goal threat so far. Key players, including Martha Thomas and Jessica Naz, have lacked the clinical finish inside the box. Following international break, the squad have been working hard to address this issue. Building confidence ahead of these must-win clashes is proving key.

Regarding relationships between the players and coaching staff, the head coach expressed everything was in order. He is pleased with the appointment of a new chief director and said this is a ‘positive step’ for the club.

When questioned over the speculation of Raso’s future with the club, having drawn lots of media attention recently, he was full of praise for the Australian and confirmed her injury.

“I had a good meeting with her today. We are working good together,” Vilahamn said.

Ambitions and plans for next season

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During the press conference, Vilahamn spoke of his long-term ambitions with Tottenham. Whilst he is far away from achieving his goal of a Champions League spot this season, he is keen to remain in his role and build on this next season.

“It’s been a struggle this year in many ways, but sometimes you need this struggle to move forward,” he said.

Trusting the process and being patient is a huge part of Vilahamn’s vision. Whilst Tottenham’s attackers have struggled to find self-confidence and the right quality in the box, there is a plan over the summer to regroup and instill an improved mentality. With new staff members on board, the club are working hard to identify the way they want to play and implement this.

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In other news, Vilahamn shared his thoughts about the use of Brisbane Road as the home ground of Tottenham Women. With three WSL fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the season, the team are growing into this environment and finding their feet on the big stage.

Although Vilahamn is settling in at the Leyton Orient Ground, it will always be ‘second best’ to the home of Tottenham Hotspur. His long-term aim for the team is to have a new and modern stadium, providing them with better facilities and an atmosphere.

Will Tottenham Hotspur come away with the three points by playing their style of football, or will the Villans take an unexpected win back to Birmingham?

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