Glasgow City Prepares for Europa Cup Challenge Against HB Koge
Europa Cup - Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg: Glasgow City vs. HB Koge
Location: Petershill Park, Glasgow Date: Wednesday, 15 October Kick-off: 19:35 BST
Coverage: Available on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge of securing a place in the Europa Cup. To advance to the knockout stage of this inaugural tournament, the SWPL leaders must overcome a 2-1 deficit at home against Danish side HB Koge on Wednesday.
The match will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, with kick-off scheduled for 19:35 BST.
"Being on the sidelines and making decisions during a live game puts pressure on you at that moment," said Ross, who previously captained City in the Champions League. "However, I have a supportive staff that contributes significantly, and it’s a challenge I’m thriving on."
Ross is quickly adapting to the demands of balancing European and domestic commitments. Following a narrow defeat in Denmark last week, she made nine changes to her starting lineup for Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Partick Thistle.
"It’s challenging," Ross told BBC Scotland. "The matches are closely scheduled, leaving us little time for training. It’s crucial to ensure each player is as prepared as possible and to select the right team for each game."
Looking ahead to the match against HB Koge, Ross anticipates another difficult encounter but believes her players have gained valuable insights from the first leg to counter a strong attacking team.
Last week, Mille Gejl’s stunning opener for the hosts was equalized by Amy Anderson’s close-range finish, but Olivia Garcia’s powerful strike in the second half secured a deserved victory for the Danes.
Ross noted, "We struggled to implement our style of play in the first leg, but we now have that experience to draw from on Wednesday, along with additional insights from the game. We’ll aim to improve our possession, although I thought we defended well."
Having been part of the City squad that reached the women’s Champions League quarter-finals on two occasions (2014-15 and 2019-20), Ross understands the advantages of competing on the European stage. "It’s fantastic; as a player, I cherished the experiences of facing top teams in the Champions League. Providing our players with similar opportunities is crucial," she said.
"Transitioning between different competitions requires a shift in mindset, especially in knockout football versus league play. It’s a challenge for everyone, but it’s one we are thoroughly enjoying."