Shaun Goater To Face Former Side City
Shaun Goater will lead Aston Villa Women in his final game as interim head coach against his former club, Manchester City, in the Women’s Super League [WSL] tomorrow [January 25].
Villa appointed Spaniard Natalia Arroyo as their new head coach on Wednesday.
Arroyo, who departed Real Sociedad at the end of last season, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Villa, pending visa approval.
The team has been in strong form under Goater, remaining unbeaten in four matches in all competitions.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Goater said: “I was always looking forward to this and it will feel weird, but we’re all professional. I’m going there to play the game and look to try to get a win.”
He acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed respect for his former club, adding: “All the people at Man City, I know and respect them. They’re a good team with a good manager who play a good way, and it will be a tough game, but we want to try to bring our game as well.”
Goater, a former City striker, joined Villa’s coaching staff from City Women at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, City Women’s head coach Gareth Taylor shared his thoughts on the encounter and his former colleague.
“Obviously they have a new manager now, but it’ll be good to see Shaun first and foremost, but they’ve probably changed things,” Taylor said.
