A-League Women’s Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins spoke to media post-match after his sides opening round loss to Brisbane Roar.
On his side’s performance on Sunday…
“We’re definitely disappointed with the result but just as disappointed with the performance as well.
“I thought we started okay. We got the ball in the areas we wanted to but we just lacked quality and the ability to finish. I think we had a couple of good chances early on to go into the lead but after that, I thought in general, we weren’t good enough in most areas in terms of the way that we competed.
“The way we passed the ball, it was quite disappointing and the players are very disappointed as well. There’s nothing to panic about but it’s something we’ve got to put right.”
On the performance of McKenzie Weinert…
“She she brings huge amount of energy and pace and she’ll cause issues for fullbacks this year. I love the way that she’s so direct and I think we just need to work with her a little bit within our style of play but I was quite pleased with her overall.”
On the crowd and atmosphere at the match…
“It was an amazing. We all got here three hours before kick-off and there were young girls outside kicking balls around at that time. When the players came out onto the field and everyone was up with their scarves with ‘Stand By Me’, it was just a really amazing feeling.
“We’re just really disappointed that we didn’t give them the entertainment that they deserved. Hopefully they all turn out again next time we’re here and we’ll be able to put on a much better performance.”
On Kellond-Knight and Gielnik’s return…
“KK was back in full training, she trained all last week. Emily was basically doing the same the past week as well so it’s how they react as we bump up their load and cautious we don’t bump it up too quick.
“I’m hoping we might get one or both next week in some way. If not, then we’ve got an international break and they’ll definitely be available after that.”
On Ella O’Grady’s impact off the bench…
“She’s she’s been a real bonus for us. We knew she’d come in and she may take a little bit of time to develop but she’s come in and her energy is amazing.
“I also think Ava (Breidis) also brought that impact as well so with Ella and Ava, I think they were one of the more pleasing aspects of the game tonight.”
