‘It’s a double-edged sword’ – Aston Villa caretaker Goater looks ahead to Manchester City test | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s caretaker boss Shaun Goater says that there isn’t a good time to play Manchester City.

The Villans take on The Cityzens at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. Aston Villa go into the game on the back of a four-match unbeaten run while Manchester City have lost back-to-back Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures.

When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Aston Villa’s caretaker boss Goater expressed caution about whether it is a good time to face Manchester City.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Goater said. “City have a very good team with confident players. They’ve probably not been at their best in the last game or two but at the same time, they have the team and the quality to have moments in games where they can go right to the levels that they can reach.

“Whilst it can appear to be a good time to play them, there can also be moments in the game where they just get to their level.

“It’s one to approach with caution because they can reach their level. It’s important for us to play well and limit City to not too many great actions within the game.”

As a player, Goater enjoyed five successful years with Manchester City before later going on to coach at the club. While Goater holds fond memories of Manchester City, he says that having the opportunity to lead Aston Villa is special regardless of the opponent.

He said “It’s an honour. It doesn’t matter who we are going to play, it’s an absolute honour to lead the team and go into the game. I’ve really enjoyed it and I look forward to this.

“The fact that it is City certainly adds a little bit more interest, more-so maybe from City’s point of view than mine. For the team and the players, it’s another game, it’s a big game and an important game.”

After this weekend’s game, Aston Villa’s new permanent head coach Natalia Arroyo will begin work with the team. Goater says that the players will want to impress their new head coach by performing well this weekend.

He said “For the players, that’s exactly the case; they want to put on a good show with the new manager watching. I think also, the world is watching, seeing what they are capable of doing. They’re in pretty good form, so it’s down to them to go out there, express themselves and better themselves.”

Aston Villa’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Manchester City kicks-off at 12pm on Saturday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.