Ahead of Wednesday night’s FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup game against Reading, Amanda Ilestedt is hungry to continue competing in every competition.
We’re top of of Group D ahead of Wednesday’s 7pm kick-off at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and a win against the Royals would guarantee progression to the knockout stages of the tournament.
As the most successful team in the Conti Cup’s history and last season’s winners, naturally it’s another competition we take seriously.
“It’s something that we’ve talked about a lot,” Amanda said on Tuesday. “We’re now in three competitions and really want to fight for the title in all of them. Every game is very important for us and tomorrow we play another one. I want to help the team to win.”
Amanda has recently been playing alongside Lotte Wubben-Moy and new signing Emily Fox in defence but also has the upcoming return of Leah Williamson to look forward to.
“I’ve played with Lotte a lot and I think our relationship on the field has been really growing,” she said. “We’ve had a good season so far. It takes a while to get those relationships, you work on it every day in training and in games. Now with Emily, I think she’s adapting very well in the team, developing every day.
“For Leah, I’m really happy for her that she’s close to coming back. She’s a great player and we really need that in the squad. Who is playing or not playing on the right or left side is Jonas’ decision so we’ll see.”
Amanda also spoke about what this season has been like playing in the Barclays Women’s Super League, enjoying the home support Gooners have given at Meadow Park and Emirates Stadium.
“Our fans, I’ve never experienced something like that,” she said. “It’s been amazing playing in front of sold out stadiums and at Emirates Stadium we’ve broken the attendance record twice already this season and I hope we can do that once again very soon.
“We have two home fields and I really enjoy playing on both of them. We really feel the extra support every game.”
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