Jo Potter: These derbies mean more
Crystal Palace Women's Manager Jo Potter has looked ahead to our huge Barclays Women's Super League clash against Chelsea on Sunday.
You can watch the full press conference on Palace TV, just click above!
The Palace boss began by reflecting on our midweek defeat away at Southampton, in the Subway Players Cup.
"We improved on a lot from West Ham. There were a lot of elements that we asked to improve on in terms of our quality, our build-up play and our creative phase.
"We needed to be a little bit more clinical because you only get a couple of chances against Chelsea and you've got to make those count," she said.
Sunday's clash marks our second London derby in a week, with derbies against London City Lionesses, Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton also coming up soon.
Potter was keen to highlight the strength of the teams in London, and why those rivalries are good for the growth of the women's game.
She said: "I think it's great for our fans that they can attend more games that are more accessible to them. It shows the quality of the teams in and around London now, and it's great for the fans that we can expose them to more games.
"I think we look at a lot of the derbies through the men's game, but I think it's coming into the women's game now too and I think it's brilliant. That's what football's about.
"Having those battles and those derbies that just might mean a little bit more than the rest."
Looking ahead to Sunday's opponents Chelsea, Potter and the team are well aware of the threat the Blues possess.
She said: "We have all seen some of their goals that they've scored from this season. They don't just score inside the box.
"We have seen Keira [Walsh] getting a little bit higher, Erin [Cuthbert] over the years has scored some absolute screamers from outside the box.
"LJ [Lauren James] can shoot from wherever she wants with both feet and nine times out of ten - she finds the target.
"They're a team that can really mix up their game and they're super aggressive in that fact too. I like how they play and how they can be really, really ruthless and really go for the jugular on teams."
Palace will welcome back Lexi Potter on Sunday, who represented the club on loan from 2023-25 - playing a huge part in our promotion from the second-tier and subsequent campaign in the WSL.
The Manager shared her thoughts on the Chelsea midfielder, who recently made her England debut in October.
She said: "The Palace fans love her. I think one thing you notice is when you come and play for this club, they absolutely adore their players. I remember when we were playing Chelsea in the FA Cup last year, Lexi wasn't even on the pitch and they were chanting for her!
"Playing at Palace was huge for her and it's put her in a much better place now."
One thing you notice is that when you come and play for this club, they absolutely adore their players
—Jo Potter
Finally, Potter reflected on the season so far and why it's important for Palace to adapt as they go.
She said: "We're not taking anything for granted. We're wanting to improve. We're wanting to be better.
"We're wanting to have more and be more. You have to evolve. I don't think you can stay the same...
"You play each other enough times that if you keep doing the same thing, teams are going to work you out."
Tickets for Sunday's 12:00 KO against Chelsea are on sale now, click below to get yours!