‘The girls gave everything today’ – Whiteley reacts to Liverpool’s defeat at Chelsea | OneFootball

Liverpool’s interim head coach Amber Whiteley praised her side for their performance against Barclays Women’s Super League champions Chelsea, despite falling to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Aggie Beever-Jones netted the only goal of the game in second half injury-time as Liverpool suffered a narrow loss.

When speaking to the media after the match, Liverpool’s interim boss Whiteley admitted that she was pleased with her side’s performance, despite just falling short.

“I thought the girls gave everything today,” Whiteley said. “Particularly [in the] first half, we had some good spells, some good opportunities for a goal.

“It was really difficult with the conditions out there, it was so warm and when you spend large portions of the game without the ball, yes, it took its toll in the end.

“Credit to Chelsea. That’s why they’re champions, [they] have got that winning mentality and they keep going right until the very end. Congratulations to them, they’ve had a fantastic season.”

Liverpool captain and defender Niamh Fahey was utilised as a second half substitute in what was the last game of her career. Whiteley commented on Fahey’s impact and reflected on her time working with the Republic of Ireland international.

She said “Niamh has given so much to the game as a whole and she’s given so much to Liverpool Football Club. I think it was a dream of hers as a little girl to put on the red shirt and I think that little girl would be so proud of her.

“She’s incredible to work with. She’s got that fire in the belly when she’s out there on the pitch and [she’s] got that edge but has got the ability to connect with everyone and that’s why she’s so well-loved and respected.

“I feel so fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to work with her over the last five years.”

Commenting on her own future with Liverpool, Whiteley said “I absolutely love the football club, it means everything to me, the people mean everything to me.

“I’d love to stay on, but [it’s] important to reflect on this game and then turn our focus to that.”

Liverpool end the 2024/2025 campaign in seventh place in the Barclays Women’s Super League table.