Wales manager Jayne Ludlow says Olympics is ‘non-event’ for Team GB

Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Wales manager Jayne Ludlow has said she feels the Games are a ‘non-event’ for the Team GB women’s football side that are set to compete.

Ludlow was speaking to Heart Wales News after receiving an honorary award from the University of South Wales.

The former Arsenal midfielder described the decision to field a team which consists of players from the four different countries as “a strange one”.

“You’re talking about a competition where every nation will be fielding their top team, the team that plays together every week, every month, every competition.

“We as a nation would be the only team who would be doing something different.”

The debate around whether or not there should be a Team GB side competing at the Olympics has built up in recent weeks, with critics claiming that the team – managed by England boss Phil Neville – will be dominated by players from his home country.

Ludlow, however, is concerned about how the team would gel, and whether or not there is any alignment with what she is trying to do with the Wales team.

“Preparation for that team, along with the coaching environment is going to be extremely tough, because you’re talking about a two-week prep for a major tournament final; with new players.”

“If I’m honest, it’s a little bit of a non-event.

“When we talk about the women’s game and national teams, it doesn’t fit into our player pathway.”

The 40-year-old recognises that those selected will view it as a great chance to compete at a higher level of the game.

“From a performance perspective, any players who have the opportunity to play at that level of the game, it’s going to be a great opportunity.”

Ludlow’s next game in charge of Wales is on August 29, when Wales open their EURO 2020 Qualifying campaign with a trip to the Faroe Islands.

(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell)