Crystal Palace Women

English Women's Super League

Chelsea Women

Since his arrival in January, the former Norway Under-21s manager has faced injury setbacks, a demanding fixture list, and the pressure of a relegation battle.

Despite the challenges, his belief in the team remains unwavering.

Reflecting on his time so far in the job, Smerud acknowledges the difficulties but also sees room for optimism.

He said: “We can control some things, and others we cannot, of course, we need to do our bit.

“We’ve tried, and sometimes it hasn’t quite worked, but we have a few more chances, so we’ll go for them.”

His message to both his players and the fans is clear: progress is being made, and with time, hard work, and belief, results will come.

One of the biggest obstacles Smerud has faced since taking charge has been injuries, which have limited his ability to work with a full squad in training.

“The most challenging thing has been we had a lot of injuries in this period, which makes it more difficult to get to work on developing.

“I look forward to putting all the pieces together and getting some good training sessions with enough people so we can get into match intensity in training as well.

“We need that, and we look forward to it,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, Smerud remains focused on building a team that can compete in every match.

He recognises the importance of finding consistency in performances, particularly in key moments that can define games.

As Palace fight for survival, Smerud knows that small margins can make a big difference, particularly when it comes to scoring early.

He said: “If we score first, it will be a different game, so we have to keep believing.

“That’s really important, but even more so is continuing to develop. If we do that, we will be in every game.”

An emphasis on teamwork is central to his philosophy. While individual talent plays a role, Smerud believes success will come from collective effort and a shared understanding on the pitch.

As the season nears its final stretch, balancing expectations is key. The team faces tough opposition, and while every match is an opportunity, Smerud knows the realities of competing at this level.

He said: “I think the expectations of football are what make it so exciting, the underdog can always perform.

“You need to do certain things to take points against the best teams, but it’s about creating the belief that it can be done.”

That belief is something he has been working to instil in his squad, ensuring they remain confident and focused, regardless of external pressures.

“It’s happened a lot in football, so it’s not that difficult to believe, but you have to manage the game well.

“Keep the opposition from controlling it and also try to create, so it’s more about that than the psychological part,” Smerud said.

Through the ups and downs of the season, one constant has been the support from the Palace fans, something Smerud deeply appreciates.

“The point of football is bringing people together and creating a good experience, I’m really glad everyone has shown up and supported us.

“Women’s football is really growing, and we’re seeing that growth here at Palace too.”

That connection between team and supporters will be crucial in the weeks ahead. With difficult matches still to come, having the backing of the fans could make all the difference.

With an international break providing a brief pause, Smerud is eager to use the time wisely.

The opportunity to work more closely with his players in training is one he welcomes, especially given the injury challenges of recent months.

Since Leif’s arrival on the 1st March, the games have come thick and fast, with the Eagles playing five games in four weeks.

He said: “There have been some positives from this block but I think the biggest challenge has been that we haven’t had enough people available for the kind of training sessions we need.

“I look forward to getting everyone back, training at full intensity, and preparing for the final part of the season.”

Despite the challenges, Smerud remains committed to his approach. He sees progress being made and is determined to build on the foundations that have been put in place.

“We’ve tried to do everything we can, and we’ll keep pushing.

“We’ll be in every game and see how long we can go. That’s the focus.”

There is work to do, but with a clear vision, a committed squad, and the support of the fans, Smerud is ready for the fight ahead.

Next up for Palace Women is a trip to Kingsmeadow to face Chelsea in the WSL on Wednesday 23rd April, before another huge home game against West Ham on the 27th April.

[Tickets for both those fixtures are available here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=2.%20Women%27s%20Matches)

Two months into his tenure as Crystal Palace Women boss, Leif Smerud remains focused on the task at hand: building a competitive side in challenging circumstances. 

Smerud: We have to keep believing

Crystal Palace Women v West Ham United Women (2025-04-27)

Chelsea Women v Crystal Palace Women (2025-04-23)

After Chelsea's progression to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, this match is now set to take place at Kingsmeadow on **Wednesday, 23rd April**, with **kick-off scheduled for 19:15 BST**.

The game will be broadcast live on **BBC iPlayer** and the [**BBC Sport website**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00260cf) in the UK.

In the WSL this season, matches will be shown on both BBC Sport and Sky Sports, the two primary broadcast partners of the league.

Every single match which is not shown across these platforms this season will be available to live stream via the WSL YouTube channel.

If you can't watch the game, the best place to follow all the action live on matchday is via our [**Palace Women X channel**](https://x.com/cpfc_w) and [**Instagram channel,**](https://www.instagram.com/cpfc_w/?hl=en) with live updates and content throughout the afternoon.

You can also follow via the official [**Crystal Palace App**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/palace-app-upgraded-download-and-use-now/), through which **goal updates and other important notifications are delivered straight to your phone**, keeping you informed of all the goals and key incidents for both sides.

Throughout the game, live **Opta stats** on the app will also keep you up to date with all the action. Even from ahead of matchday, and after the full-time whistle, you can follow all the action, **with previews, reaction and video** all in one place.

**Tickets for this game are now on-sale,** you can find out more details below!

Buy tickets here!

*Please read the information in full below before purchasing your tickets.*

### 📅 **Match Details**

**Chelsea vs Crystal Palace:**

- **Opponent**: Chelsea
- **Date**:  Wednesday, 23rd April 
- **Time**: 19:15
- **Competition**: Barclays Women's Super League
- **Venue**: Kingsmeadow

### 🎟 **Ticket Price**

- **Adult**: £15
- **Senior (65+)**: £7.50
- **Junior (Under 20)**: £7.50

### ℹ️ **Matchday Information**

- Tickets will be fulfilled as PDF's which will be sent no later than 24 hours prior to kick off
- Supporters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
- Matchday visitors Guide - <https://www.chelseafc.com/en/tickets-guides-policies-and-forms>
- Supporters are reminded that there is no parking available on-site.

### **👜 Bag Policy** 

- No bags larger than A4 will be permitted into the stadium. This equates to 30cm x 20cm x 10cm, about the size of a standard handbag.
- Please note that due to a lack of space, baggage deposit facilities will not be available, so your supporters are strongly advised not to bring any bags to Kingsmeadow. 

Crystal Palace Women’s upcoming Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Chelsea will now kick off at 19:15 BST on Wednesday, 23rd April.

Palace’s WSL fixture at Chelsea rescheduled

Chelsea Women v Crystal Palace Women (2025-04-20)

English Women's Super LeagueKingsmeadow

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Chelsea Women 0 Crystal Palace Women 0

English Women's Super LeagueKingsmeadow

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