by Callum Ellis & Editor
WALES Women’s manager Jayne Ludlow has called for fans to turn out in their numbers to watch her side in their next two crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Wales face Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea tomorrow evening, before Russia visit Newport Stadium next Tuesday, June 12.
“The stadium [Liberty Stadium] is fantastic – we want to be able to play at stadia like this more in the future,” said the former Wales and Arsenal captain.
“We do hope that we have fans turning up to acknowledge how well the girls are doing and hopefully push us on to a win.
“We want to play in an arena where we are supported effectively so it takes us to a different level with regards to performance. Hopefully this can be that tomorrow, if it is the case, then hopefully it happens more in the future.”
Ludlow’s side held England to a goalless draw at St Mary’s in April and are yet to concede in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Wales boss says she has a full-strength squad to choose from and is relishing the upcoming challenge against Bosnia, who currently sit fourth in Group One.
“Preparations have gone to plan so we’re very much looking forward to the game tomorrow and the next challenge that’s ahead of us.
“The girls enjoy national team camps, they enjoy playing for Wales. Unfortunately, they don’t get to do it as often as they would probably like to so when we are together, we make the most of it.”
Kayleigh Green’s second half strike ensured Wales came out on top when they met with Bosnia earlier in the campaign, before goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan made a late penalty save.
Ludlow says her side will have a different approach while playing at home, but insists all the focus is on tomorrow’s clash and she is not getting carried away.
“For us, it’s the next game. That’s our sole focus and preparation right now. We aren’t looking any further ahead because right now there’s no need to.
“It’s a different game plan in many ways because we are at home and haven’t played many of our home games yet.
“This is what we’ve been looking forward to, we’ve travelled and done well, but these home games are for us to turn up and actually show what we are about.
“We’ve planned a specific way for the opponents tomorrow because we’ve played them already; it was a tough task out there and we did fantastically well.
“They’ve had some good spells in games in their games so far and have some areas that they probably want to improve on. We need to exploit that tomorrow and make sure that we come into the game full of confidence.”
Wales currently trail leaders England by two points in Group One, but Ludlow feels the support of the crowd will bring out the best in her players.
“I know very much that the more people here cheering us on, the players will enjoy it immensely and their performance levels will go far beyond what they’ve been able to do so far. They can be our extra man.”
The Football Association of Wales is advising fans to book in advance to avoid possible queues at the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office on matchday. The Ticket Office will be open from 10am tomorrow.
Be the first to comment