JO POTTER insists these fixtures are the games players want to play in as Rangers ready themselves for a showdown with last season’s title winners this weekend.
The Light Blues take on Glasgow City at Broadwood Stadium this Sunday with both teams having taken maximum points from their opening three league matches.
Speaking to the media in this afternoon’s press conference ahead of the game the head coach acknowledges the challenges and pressures that come with the fixture but wants the side to show how well they have started the new campaign.
She said: “They are the bigger games and they are the games that these players want to play in. This is where the pressure comes on them a little bit but that is my job to take it off them and just concentrate on us.
“I think it is important that we see what we have been doing really well, we try and eradicate those mistakes that we have been making, we don't just ignore them. The title contenders first up this weekend is a big game for us.
“It is tough, but we are going to do what we always do, we are going to concentrate on ourselves, see how we can hurt City with what we can do. We know they have got a couple of threats and we always work to that; we don't take any opposition lightly; we know their threats and we are going to try hurt them either way.
Potter feels the progression in the early stages of the campaign has been clear to see and says she is happy with the positive start her team.
She continued: “It has been good, I am happy with the points and the outcome, it is always tough to play three games in a week and the toughest one so far coming on Sunday. We are happy so far but we still know we have got a bit to go.
“The players have been great; they are like sponges at the moment soaking everything up. I've said it a couple of times we are actually quite a way ahead of where we I thought we would be at this moment in time, particularly with all the information that I have given them. They are really trying and taking it on board and trying to bring it into practice.
The fixture marks the third game in a week for the Light Blues after victories over Aberdeen and Hearts and Potter feels the fixtures in quick succession will help her side moving forward.
She added: “The best way to learn is through games. You can only try and replicate it out on the football pitch, but the best learn and learn as a group is actually in games. Sometimes it is good to get those games under your belt, and get out there, experience things and try to improve.”
You can still buy tickets for the match on Sunday, August 27 here, kicking off at 4.10pm in Cumbernauld. Priced at £7 for adults, while MyGers members and men’s season ticket holders can also attend the fixture at a price of £1.