Shelley Kerr says Arsenal Ladies can use the memory of beating German opposition as inspiration in their Women's Champions League semi-final tie against VfL Wolfsburg.
The Ladies became the first English team to beat a German side when they knocked out FFC Turbine Potsdam in the last 16 of the elite women’s European competition last November.
Kerr’s side are in the last four of the competition for the third successive year and the head coach feels the experience of beating Potsdam could give the Ladies a psychological advantage at Meadow Park on Sunday.
"I think that the more you are experienced in a certain environment, the better that is"
Shelley Kerr
“I think that psychologically that helps,” she said. “The Germans are renowned for being very technical, disciplined and organised.
“It's a big thing for the girls to know that they've already had great results against a German team. That's something that I think will give them another bit of confidence going into Sunday's game.”
While seven members of the Ladies squad played a part in the UEFA Women’s Cup final win over Swedish side Umea in 2007, Frauen Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg are making their debut in a European competition.
“In my experience in the game, both as a player and as a coach, I think that the more you are experienced in a certain environment, the better that is,” Kerr added.
“It's the same as adopting winning habits. If you are used to winning leagues and FA Cups, then you have that mentality about you. It's very similar. These players are experienced now they've got to this stage.
“I think psychologically it's a big boost for the girls having been there regularly.”
For supporters wanting to cheer Arsenal Ladies on at Boreham Wood FC on Sunday, tickets can be purchased from the turnstiles, priced at £5 for adults and £1 for under-16s
Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
