Portsmouth Women have ‘cup final mentality’ ahead of Southampton derby, says Jay Sadler
Portsmouth Women head coach Jay Sadler says his team need no added motivation for the South Coast derby against Southampton on Sunday.
Bragging rights are up for grabs at Fratton Park with two sets of fans set to come down to add to a great atmosphere, in a game Pompey are desperate not to lose.
Sadler’s Blues will be underdogs against a Saints side with more experience of the Women’s Championship, having yet to get off the mark since last season’s promotion.
Speaking to Millie Payne of BBC Radio Solent [11 October], the head coach said: “The players need no extra motivation for this one – they know what it means to the community, the fans.
“For us, there’s no pressure. We can go into it enjoying the game, enjoying the occasion, and we’ll ultimately try and bring in the performance factors we want to see on the pitch.
“It’s a great opportunity to play at Fratton Park. We don’t play there too often, and we see this one as a cup final mentality in front of our families and friends.”
Portsmouth Women host Southampton in titanic clash
Portsmouth are not yet on the board in the Championship, but the club were under no illusions as to how hard the rapid transition process would be.
Sadler is the figurehead leading the charge, with the team still fully confident of survival, establishment and progress in the second tier.
A huge signal of that which can be demonstrated is a result against a Southampton side far from wet behind the ears, who know how to play these occasions and get the job done in larger stadiums in front of crowds of thousands.
Pompey have to strike that balance of showing confidence, imposing a marker; not displaying naivety or playing into Saints’ hands.
The match is the first of the Blues’ women’s team history to be broadcast live on national TV, and tickets and hospitality packages remain available via the Portsmouth FC website.
In other Portsmouth news, an ex-Premier League star reveals his manager lost his job over trying to sell him to Pompey.
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