Today on The IX Sports Podcast it’s women’s soccer Tuesday. Host Kathleen Gier is joined by Thom Persley of Shea Butter FC and the Shades of Blue Network in a wide-ranging conversation that spans from Manchester to Barcelona.
Manchester City wins WSL
Manchester City has won the Women’s Super League. But Persley said he wasn’t sold on manager Andrée Jeglertz from the beginning. He thought the club should have hired Seb Hines, who currently serves as the manager for the Orlando Pride of the NWSL.
Manchester City is now set to play in the final for the Football Association Challenge Cup against Brighton on May 31.
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“You do really get the sense amongst the players as you hear their interviews, that there seems to be like a lightness in the locker room, and maybe that’s just because of, like the freedom of play that was allowed,” Persley said.
Women’s Champions League
Over in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Lyon will face Barcelona in the final on May 23, marking their 12th overall appearance in the final match.
Jonatan Giráldez, the coach for Lyon, used to be the coach for Barcelona. This could lead to an interesting dynamic on the pitch, Persley said.
“He knows all those players, all those players know him. Current [Barcelona] coach knows him so like and he knows all of the things that they want to do, and he knows all of the things that he wants to do. And I do wonder what, how that plays out.”
Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon did tear her LCL and will not be available for the final — which could also impact the game.
Be sure to listen all the way until the end to hear Persley’s words of warning for US National Women’s Soccer Team fans who may be getting a little too excited about recent victories against Japan.
Make sure to subscribe to The IX Sports Podcast for in-depth coverage of women’s soccer, hockey and basketball; and tune in each weekday morning for a quick overview of the biggest headlines on Women’s Sports Daily, like WNBA preseason news and PWHL playoff updates.
What you missed on today’s episode of Women’s Sports Daily: