Leicester United Women – Pre-Match Interview with Manager Michael Stevenson

Abacus Flooring County Cup – Round 2
Blaby & Whetstone vs Leicester United Women First Team
Sunday 23rd • 2:00pm • Blaby & Whetstone Football Club

Leicester United Women will host Blaby & Whetstone on Sunday for their yet again rearranged County Cup second-round tie, following last weekend’s postponement due to severe rain and flooding and the same the week prior.

Manager Michael Stevenson spoke ahead of the fixture, addressing the unique narrative surrounding the opposition, preparation for the tie, and the team’s wider ambitions for the season.

Q1. This fixture carries added interest, with many of the Blaby & Whetstone players being part of last season’s Leicester United squad that you managed as caretaker. How are you approaching the emotions and competitive edge of a reunion like this?

Michael Stevenson:
“I respect the players as players and wish them well in their footballing journey, and I am sure after the game we will have a chat and catch up, but my job is about my squad and getting a result on the day. Emotions and extra competitiveness don’t come into this. We face this game like we face any other game so far this season.”

Q2. The original fixture was postponed and reversed as per competition rules, meaning you now travel to Blaby instead of hosting the tie. Does that have any effect on the approach or preparation?

Stevenson:
“This makes no difference to us. Of course Blaby will possibly think it gives an advantage, but grass is grass at the end of the day and we cannot blame it being an away game for anything.”

Q3. How have you assessed Blaby & Whetstone going into this match, particularly with their strong early form followed by a recent dip in results?

Stevenson:
“As much as I do every opposition. They started the season well and have dropped off in recent weeks with results, but feedback is their performances have been strong. This is what we focus on and we have to be at 100% if we are to get anything from the game.”

Q4. Given that many of their players know your style and you know theirs, how important is it for your current squad to concentrate on their own game and identity?

Stevenson:
“It is for us to focus on our game and the way we play. The squad we have is new and still learning, but recent signings are starting to bed in, and if we focus on our game we know our team has a great ethic and bond now.”

Q5. Did last weekend’s postponement disrupt preparation, or has the squad been able to stay on track for this week’s tie?

Stevenson:
“Preparations have gone brilliantly. We trained as normal and got a lot done in those sessions on how we want to play, so this hasn’t distracted us from our goal.”

Q6. How significant is this County Cup fixture in the context of your season, given the club’s stated focus on league progress?

Stevenson:
“It’s as important as any game, but I know and the players know the league is the main goal this season. Whilst a cup run would be nice, it’s not a main focus. This will give us the chance to get the legs going against a team in our league and see what lessons we can learn from it.”

Leicester United Women will look to build on their consistent development this season and continue establishing their identity under Stevenson as they head into Sunday’s cup battle.