Karen Hills: "We will never throw the towel in"

Karen Hills talks to the team after defeat to Palace

Karen Hills gives her thoughts after losing late on to Crystal Palace in the WSL:

"It was disappointing because I thought we were the better team in pretty much a lot of the game.

And then just those individual moments, we obviously went up 2-1, needed to probably keep pushing. And they obviously got some quality individuals. I think we need to look at some of the goals that we conceded, where we probably are disappointed about that, especially dealing with what they were throwing into the box.

"And we kept going. And the players, I've got so much respect for them. I thought they dug in, they did everything I asked of them today.

"And I thought we were in a really strong position. And then obviously the killer punch at the very end where you don't come away with anything was disappointing because I felt we deserved more today. 

"We haven't been in this position before as a group. So is there some opportunities when you go ahead? How do we try to hold on to that? How do we keep fighting? But the fight never stopped from the team. I asked for a minute one to work hard, to run hard, to work for each other.

"And I saw that in abundance. Unfortunately, just maybe some concentration, some fatigue maybe stepped in. And obviously, yeah, I think some of the goals were definitely we could do better.

"We need to do better if we want to try and stay within these games. We've obviously missed a penalty, got the rebound, then like you said, scored again. And I thought the performance deserved more today.

"But at the same time, if you defend like that, then you're going to get punished. And unfortunately today we did. 

"We have an identity that will run and work hard for each other and out battle.

"We will never throw the towel in. We will keep working for each other. And these moments hurt. These moments do hurt. But we are a group that are together. We're a group that will get around each other.

"We'll have some conversations back at the training ground this week, but we can't dwell on it. We've got another game on Wednesday. Games are coming thick and fast.

"So, yes, we need to keep improving. But what I saw today was a proper Charlton performance, the work rate, the running. And I said at the start, the difference between the two teams was not that different.

"I thought we were really quite competitive, both teams. We were close in everything we did. And those are what we've got to hold on to, because those performances will put us in good stead going into the next bit of this block.

"I take all the pressure off them, because at the end of the day, we're all in this together. We're all learning.

"We're all in a new league, playing against new opposition. But we knew Crystal Palace. We know them really, really well.

"And that game today was us. We played like a Charlton team does. And I thought the performance deserved more, like I said.

"But the players are going to be positive about the performance. We're definitely going to need to look at those goals and make sure that when we get into those positions and those situations going forward, we do a little bit better. And those responsibilities are on the players.

"They need to stand up. They need to be counted for. So, yeah, listen, it's a quick turnaround.

"But these players are together. And what we will be proud of is the willingness, the work rate and what we showed today. Because if I can see that week in, week out, we put ourselves in a better place than when we first started in the WSL all those months ago."

 

Read Time: 4 mins