Liverpool striker Katie Stengel aimed a back-handed compliment to manager Matt Beard as newly-promoted Liverpool shocked champions Chelsea 2-1 on the opening day of the WSL season.
Fran Kirby had given the champions the lead in the third minute with a penalty, before Katie Stengel fired in two of her own in the second half to snatch the three points.
It was the first time Chelsea had lost a league match when leading at half-time since 2013 and their opponents that day were also Liverpool.
LFC RATINGS: Liverpool Women player ratings as Katie Stengel and four others shine in brilliant win against Chelsea
And Katie Stengel revealed what former Blues boss Matt Beard told the team at half-time to spur them on for the comeback.
“He reiterated we have to believe in ourselves. It is just another team out there so why not believe in ourselves?
“What he lacks in height he makes up for in motivational speeches!”
And Beard was delighted with the way his side responded to the tweaks he made at the break to carry out their effective game plan.
“It’s just the first game. I felt over the course of the game we deserved it especially after our tactical changes at half-time.
“Over pre-season we have tested ourselves up against good WSL sides. We have started slowly, it just took a little bit of time.
“We knew we could hurt them on the counter-attack.”
The penalty for the equaliser was a controversial decision, with Millie Bright penalised for hand ball after it was struck at her armpit from close range.
But Blues boss Emma Hayes refused to make excuses for her side, who were frustrated by a deep block Liverpool team that stood strong in the face of heavy pressure.
“Firstly congratulations to Liverpool. They did their game plan well. We knew about the long throw from Campbell,” said Hayes.
The second penalty we should defend that better. I thought going forward we weren’t good enough. Nothing went where it was supposed to go. We’re disappointed but we go.
“They play a 5-4-1 and they don’t come out. They have maximised the opportunities. We couldn’t hit a barn door today.
“We chalk it off and go again. I say it all the time, what is to worry about losing a football match.”
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