Gareth Taylor has officially been installed as head coach of Liverpool Women. Talk about a fairytale second act! This is one of the biggest stories of his managerial career! After five successful years leading Manchester City Women, Taylor departed the club in March. In August, she opened a new chapter by signing with Liverpool. He now has the intimidating task of imbuing his utopian vision and revolutionary playing philosophy into a squad chomping at the bit for some overdue progression and success.
Taylor’s ambition is clear: he aims to transform Liverpool into the “best pressing team in Europe.” As a result, he is off to a brutal start with his new team. Until now, the father of three hasn’t gained a single point in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The pressure will mount when Liverpool faces Manchester City, the club he previously managed and currently sits second in the WSL table under new boss Andree Jeglertz.
New Beginnings at Liverpool
Gareth Taylor’s appointment at Liverpool looks to have come at a critical juncture for the club. After four straight losing seasons, the team is looking to turn around its fortunes, and Taylor’s leadership will be key. From this role at Manchester City, he developed a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the women’s football landscape. Now, he’s hoping to apply that experience with his new team.
I don’t think it can be set. Nothing’s ever set where nothing evolves and doesn’t change, and you have to adapt. For me, it’s taking comfort in that, Taylor stated regarding his approach to coaching.
Now, as Taylor embarks on this new journey, he’s quick to press the value of making a distinct brand of Liverpool Women. He admits that even as his understanding of his game model has deepened through the years, some core operating tenants never changed.
A Reunion Under Pressure
The next match against Manchester City will be especially poignant for Taylor. He’ll return to a club that has been an important factor in his coaching development and evolution. As he reflects on his time at City, he is determined to showcase the progress he has made since leaving.
When you’re confronted with people who don’t agree with your ideologies, it hurts. You’re fierce as hell in your loyalty and protection of them, and you really, really believe in what you’re doing. It’s the thing that gets you out of bed every morning, whether you’ve been successful in the previous game or not. For me, there is no other way of playing,” he continued.
This reunion casts a new spiritual relationship over the complication. He’s up against his old team, but he must contend with the success they’ve enjoyed this season with coach Bartosz Jeglertz at the helm. City’s excellent position in the WSL means that this matchup is key to both clubs’ seasons on different fronts.
Building a Culture of Loyalty
As Taylor lingers into his new position, he looks to connect down a culture of loyalty and resilience down the funnel. He wants to foster a place where players can flourish and be part of something bigger than themselves.
You’ll never walk alone – that’s our motto, that’s what we believe in, that’s what we do – I told the players. He asserted. He wants Liverpool Women to be a team that represents togetherness and fight. This fierce and indomitable spirit for self-preservation has made its way onto the pitch and beyond.
In light of recent challenges, including personal losses which have tested his resolve, Taylor remains committed to building a squad that reflects his values. As an owner himself, he wants to create a sense of place that players and fans can feel.
A Challenging Road Ahead
Despite all the early frustrations in picking up points in the WSL, Taylor is positive about what can be achieved at Liverpool. His previous experiences have shown him that success is not built in a day. He knows that creating an effective pressing style, one that requires repetition and patience, will require time.
Taylor is committed to evolving his game model. If he can be true to his core principles and values that will be necessary as he walks their journey with the team. He acknowledges the need for flexibility in strategy but insists on maintaining a philosophy that aligns with his vision for success.
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