WSL: Aston Villa defeat ‘a reality check’, says under-pressure Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor
Under pressure Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor said his team had a “reality check” as their winless start to the Women’s Super League season continued with a damaging 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
The Reds have failed to win any of their 10 matches in the WSL, collecting just four points.
Thursday’s defeat at Villa Park, where Liverpool failed to score a shot on target, left them two points behind.
Asked how much pressure he was under, Taylor told Sky Sports: “I don’t know. I think there’s a real reality check there.”
“I think this team needs help. I need help.”
Former Manchester City manager Taylor took over in August, replacing interim manager Amber Whiteley, who guided the team to seventh place in the WSL last season.
However, Taylor won just three matches against WSL 2-tier opposition in the Women’s League Cup during her five months in charge.
“There’s no doubt that as a team we’ve definitely regressed more than would be expected from a club like Liverpool,” Taylor added.
“We gave everything. We are trying to train the players. The players are really honest.
“The truth is, we’re aware of that, and I think sometimes you can really get exposed – and that’s what happened tonight.”
In Taylor’s defence, his first tenure on Merseyside was hampered by injuries to key players.
Playmaker Marie Hobinger and forward Sophie Roman Haug have both suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while experienced players such as Ceri Holland and Gemma Bonner have also had spells on the sidelines.
