Manchester United’s Gemma Evans knows Wales defence must improve
Gemma Evans of Wales celebrates scoring her sides fifth goal. Wales v Kazakhstan in FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier at Parc y Scarlets on the 17th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales defender Gemma Evans has stated her and the rest of the defence are not proud of their performances in this Nations League campaign.
Wales have, over the last few years, cemented themselves as a team who are tricky to break down and having a stout defence that fights until the end.
The battling spirit will always be there, but the defence has looked incredibly shaky, having conceded 13 goals in just four games.
The likes of Evans have incredibly high standards, and they know they haven’t been good enough so far.
“It’s not something we’re proud of. We’ve analysed it a lot and we know the little changes that we have to make. If you look at the first Denmark game compared to the second, it was a massive difference.
“Some of the goals we’ve conceded have been sloppy and we know that’s not our standard at all. We’ve been working hard to change it and we are still solid at the back, but that’s what happens against top opponents, they can pull you out of position and get a goal.
“But we’re not happy with the way we’ve conceded goals.”
As the centre-back alluded to, the game away in Denmark did showcase that they can learn from previous mistakes.
Despite this, Evans knows that it won’t be a quick fix against top teams but is also optimistic about their chances in these final two games.
“I wouldn’t say it’s easy. But I think, as professional footballers, you’ve got to make changes and you’ve got to know how to solve the problems. We need to solve those problems a little quicker on the field.
“When we do our video analysis and we do our unit meetings, we’re very much to the point and we don’t beat around the bush.
“I’m looking forward to Friday and Tuesday and I think you’ll see a different Welsh team.”
Evans herself has faced a different sort of challenge this season. Having been a surefire starter at Reading, she’s only made three appearances off the bench in the WSL this season for Manchester United.
The lack of game time is a source of frustration, but Evans has praised the intensity of training at United.
“As a player who is used to playing it is frustrating not to be playing. I understand what I need to do and what I need to keep working on. I’m at United and they are a massive club who have got top quality talent everywhere, so I understand the reasoning.
“It’s such a competitive environment, but hopefully I will get my breakthrough when I deserve it. Right now, I’m focusing on me, working hard, and I’m loving every minute of it.
“Training is at such a high standard at United, and I feel like I’m still as fit as I have been, if not fitter than ever before.
“I’m still keeping above all my figures and make sure that I am still ready when I come into camp, even though I’m not playing consecutive 90 minutes.”
In front of Evans in the United pecking order are Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner, both of whom are involved with the Lionesses during this international break.
It is difficult to break up a formidable partnership, but Evans says the competitive environment in the defensive unit pushes them all on.
“We all bring different strengths to the table and that’s important that we acknowledge that and that we share each other’s strengths.
“We push each other every day because we all want to be playing, but there’s only two positions up for grabs, but we all push each other to be at our best.”
