Scotland women’s manager Pedro Martinez Losa remains upbeat about his side’s chances in their concluding UEFA Women’s Nations League double header, despite taking just one point from four games so far.
Scotland are in danger of being relegated from League A1 however the Spaniard is optimistic that his side have the capabilities to ask serious questions of Belgium and England next month. Scotland must win both for the six points to give them an escape route from their current relegation danger zone.
They are on the road at the start of December as they take on Belgium with Martinez Losa unperturbed at the magnitude of the challenge.
“We know we can compete against Belgium – we know we can beat Belgium,” Scotland’s head coach said.
“We also see they are a very practical team and are getting results against big teams. After that, we have that special scenario of what it means to play at Hampden against England and I’m pretty sure we will have the support of the crowd and that will be a plus. Hopefully we are still alive in the competition and I’m pretty confident we can put England in difficulties.”
Caroline Weir and Emma Watson remained sidelined with their early ACL recoveries but there was brighter news with Bayern Munich’sSam Kerr fit to take her place in the squad. Emma Mukandi, Abi Harrison and Brogan Hay are also all back in while Erin Cuthbert played in the last double header despite training only once with the squad as she returned from injury.
Martinez Losa believes that despite the tough nature of the group that there has been positive elements for Scotland to build on.
He has warned Scotland, too, that they cannot get caught up in the emotion of playing against England at Hampden. The Lionesses could need a win in order to qualify Team GB for the Olympics.
“One of the dangers against England is that we are so excited and have that desire to compete against England but we have to be one game at a time just now,” he said. “First we have to focus on Belgium.
“It will be a special scenario against England at Hampden and I am sure that we will have the support of the fans. We want to create that environment and make sure that they feel proud of the team but also they need to know for our players the greatest motivation is to have fans supporting them.
“I already know how the fans feel. I have not been stopped much in the streets but I have been stopped a lot because the fans know we are playing against England. I know how everyone feels and we know this from our hearts it is an important game and we will prepare at the level.”
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