Can London City Players Live Up to Maestre's Ambition?

In a disappointing start to Eder Maestre's managerial tenure at London City Lionesses, the team remained bottom of the Women's Super League (WSL) following a goalless draw against Liverpool. The match saw neither side manage a shot on target, marking a frustrating debut for Maestre, who had hoped to instil a more ambitious style of play.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

London City Lionesses are currently struggling in the WSL, with their recent match against Liverpool highlighting their difficulties. The team, now under the management of Eder Maestre, failed to secure a win, leaving them at the bottom of the league table. Maestre's ambition for a dynamic and attacking style of play was not evident in this match, and he has since expressed the need for a shift in mentality among the players to achieve better results.

Key takeaways

Eder Maestre's first game as manager resulted in a goalless draw.
London City Lionesses remain bottom of the WSL without a win this season.
Maestre aims to implement an energetic and attacking style of football.

Timeline: how we got here

London City Lionesses have had a turbulent start to their inaugural WSL season. Here are some key dates and events:

21 December 2022: Jocelyn Precheur was sacked after a series of underwhelming results.
2 January 2023: Eder Maestre appointed as the new manager.
7 January 2023: Maestre's first match ended in a goalless draw against Liverpool.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Eder Maestre's appointment brings a fresh perspective to the team, with a focus on a more attacking and energetic style of play. However, the immediate results have not reflected this ambition, as evidenced by the lack of shots on target in the match against Liverpool.

What was already established

Prior to Maestre's arrival, London City Lionesses had shown promise, securing five wins from their first 11 matches. However, the team's performance in recent games has raised concerns, particularly their inability to score in the last three WSL matches.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing struggles of London City Lionesses may affect local fan engagement and attendance at matches. The team's performance could influence ticket sales and merchandise, as supporters are likely to be less enthusiastic when results are poor.

Businesses and jobs

For local businesses that rely on matchday traffic, a lack of success on the pitch may lead to decreased footfall on matchdays. This could impact partnerships and sponsorship opportunities associated with the club.

Policy and regulation

The WSL has been pushing for greater investment and visibility in women's football. Poor team performances may slow progress in these areas, as clubs strive to attract and maintain investment in the league.

Numbers that matter

0: Shots on target for both teams in the match against Liverpool.
350: Minutes without a goal for London City Lionesses.
5: Wins from 11 matches under previous manager Jocelyn Precheur.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Managerial tenure: The period during which a manager is in charge of a team.
Stalemate: A situation in which neither side can make progress; in football, this refers to a goalless draw.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, it will be crucial for Maestre to implement his vision and improve the team's performance. This includes instilling a winning mentality and ensuring that players adapt to his tactical approach.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term, the club will need to assess player performances and possibly consider squad adjustments to align with Maestre's vision. Consistent results will be essential for the club's ambitions of competing in European competitions.

Signals to watch

Upcoming match results and the team's goal-scoring ability.
Player development and adaptation to the new tactical approach.
Fan engagement and attendance at matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team during challenging times; attend matches to boost morale.
Engage with the club's initiatives and community outreach programmes.

Don’t

Criticise players publicly; constructive feedback is more beneficial.
Lose faith in the team's potential; rebuilding takes time.

Checklist

Stay updated on match schedules and results.
Follow team news and player developments.
Participate in fan events or discussions to support the club.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The team's current struggles may raise concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the WSL. There is uncertainty regarding player performance, adaptation to the new management style, and potential injuries that could impact the squad's depth and performance.

Bottom line

Eder Maestre's arrival at London City Lionesses brings hope for a brighter future, but immediate results are necessary to build confidence and engagement. The team must address their goal-scoring issues and embrace a winning mentality to escape the bottom of the league.

FAQs

Why is London City Lionesses struggling in the WSL?

The team is currently struggling due to a lack of goals, with 350 minutes of play without scoring, and a need for a stronger winning mentality under new management.

What changes did Eder Maestre aim to implement?

Maestre aims to instil an energetic, attacking style of play focused on pressing and taking advantage of spaces created during matches.

What are the implications of their current position in the league?

Remaining at the bottom of the WSL could affect fan engagement, sponsorships, and the club's long-term ambitions of competing in European competitions.