Man City Latest: Boss gives transfer update and reveals contract discussions

ManchesterCity head coach Gareth Taylor spoke to the press prior to his side’s game against Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Taylor’s side gave an excellent response to last weekend’s disappointing draw against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League by thrashing Bristol City 6-0 to progress to the semi-finals of the Continental Cup and he spoke at length about his thoughts on his side’s performance, the challenge his side faces on Sunday while he also gave updates on the transfer window and the contract situations surrounding the liks of Laura Coombs and Demi Stokes.

On his side’s response at Bristol City after the draw with Aston Villa last week

“It’s an opportunity isn’t it? I think sometimes you don’t get that opportunity and you can have a flat performance and then you go into an international break and have to wait another three weeks before you play again.

“It was nice that we had the ability to play within a few days. It was a good performance, the players played really well and dominated early parts of the game and scored some excellent goals.”

On contract discussions with several players whose contract will expire in the summer

“There’s discussions on going wihth those players. Some of them will be positive, some of them may not be as positive in respect of where we are going with the club.

“But we are on side with that and making sure we are ahead of the game for where we need to be and to be fair to the players in terms of what we see as the future for them and the club as well.”

On potential incomings or outgoings in the final days of the January transfer window

“I don’t think so. I think it is always after that window close that anything can happen - teams can pick up injuries, minor injuries, serious injuries - hindsight is not there for you to have done your business.

“When you look at where we are at the moment with only Esme (Morgan) and Demi (Stokes) not available, it is pretty good. We have a decent squad of players available here in terms of fitness, and a good squad of players. We are fairly happy with where we are at and looking forward to the challenge that remains.”

On the challenge of Sheffield United and playing a Championship team

“There are things to consider. We are in a cup competition that could go to extra time and penalties and there’s quite a final feeling about FA Cup or League Cup.

“In terms of the level of opponent that you face, there is always a respect from us. Making sure that we are really dilligent in exploring the opponent and seeing where their strengths and weaknesses lie. With some of the teams you play there not a huge amount of difference in level between the top end of the Championship and bottom end of the WSL. It’s just making sure that as a team we are prepared, focussed and not being neglectful of the opposition.

“The group of players we have are so honest and so humble in what we do - that wouldn’t be an issue for us. It doesn’t mean you can’t lose these games because you go into these games as heavy favourites and sometimes this is why we love the FA Cup as you do see upsets on occasion. But for us it would be very surprising and disappointing if I saw us neglect the opposition.”