Gemma Grainger and Sophie Ingle have been speaking to the media ahead of Wales’ World Cup qualifier against France in Guingamp on Tuesday night.
After their 5-0 victory against Greece on Friday night, Wales head to Brittany knowing that they will face their toughest test of the campaign so far.
The manager is under no illusion of just how difficult it will be taking on the team currently ranked fifth in the FIFA World rankings.
“The way we’re viewing it is there’s no argument that we are the underdog. The expectations outside of our group may be pretty low.
“But our expectations are really high in terms of the performance that we want to put on. It’s a real opportunity for us to see where we are as a team.”
“For me as a coach these are the games that I want to coach in. These are the games where you really get to see the progress that you’re making.”
Grainger has gained a lot of plaudits for her attacking style of play, which has seen them score 17 goals in the first five games.
Cymru have also only conceded one goal in the campaign but facing a team that have averaged scoring seven goals a game so far this campaign, Grainger knows Wales must be careful, but not to back entirely into their own shells.
“The foundations of this team is built on how defensively sound we are … we have to defend well in all areas and now it’s going to be a challenge for us based on the stats.”
“I think we have to be adaptable … If we want to see where we’re at as a team, we don’t want to change too much but we have to be adaptable as well.”
This is something that was echoed by Ingle.
“We know what team France are like, they have a lot of strengths, but it’s about us trying to go at their weaknesses, to play with a bit of freedom, we have nothing to lose.”
“When we have the ball we want to be ourselves and be creative like we have been in previous games. When we do have it we have to be brave with it and get the ball forward as quick as we can.”
France go into this game without three key players: Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Somer. Between them they have 394 caps and have won numerous trophies. Yet, Grainger doesn’t believe the absence of these three pillars will affect the French too much.
“Those players have had an incredible career, and without a doubt I’m happier to see them out of the squad. However, having coached against France many a time through the youth age groups … I know the strength they have coming through in that team.”
Ingle also agreed with her manager: “They’ll always be a good team, they’ve got quality throughout their side.
“They’re just the more experienced players in that French side, but the younger girls coming through their team are doing really well too.
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