Hearts women

Olid: Positives to take

18 March 2024

Hearts Women head coach Eva Olid insists her side can take positives from their weekend display against Glasgow City, despite going down 2-0 at Oriam on Sunday.

 

It was two early strikes from the visitors that did the damage and although the Jambos improved in the second half, they struggled to test the City goal, as the visitors held on to take all three points.  

 

“In the first half, they were so good, and we were so bad,” Olid told Hearts TV at full-time.

 

“In the second half, we were good, and they didn’t create anything until the last few minutes.

 

“We always have to keep the positives. In the second half, we really competed. We were just missing a goal.”

 

It was a slow start that cost the Jambos and Olid believes her side lacked the confidence to go and match their opponents in the early stages of the contest.

 

“We knew their shape, what they were doing, and we spoke about that,” she added.

 

“They were moving the ball so fast, but we were prepared for those movements. I think in the first few minutes it was about confidence and belief, that we could match them.

 

“With the ball, we were losing simple balls, we couldn’t keep possession and I think that was down to having low confidence.

 

“But when the match went on, we gained more confidence with the ball and spent more time in their half, and you can see the progression when the players have the confidence to have possession and belief. That is the most important thing.

 

“The attitude and energy can never miss. Especially against these teams as they have a lot of individual quality. So, you need attitude, energy, hard-work and of course confidence to play with the ball.”

 

Finally, Monica Forsyth made her return from injury having been out since July with a meniscus root tear, Olid admits she is delighted to have the hard-working midfielder back available for selection.

 

“This is my third year with her. I trust her, mainly because she works hard and that is the minimum that we can ask.”