Katja Snoeijs believes Everton's performances are continuing to improve ahead of a busy run of fixtures in the Women's Super League.
The Dutch striker arrived on Merseyside in the summer following spells with PSV and Bordeaux, and has featured seven times for the Blues so far this term. It's been a mixed season for Brian Sorensen's side, who made a bright start to the campaign before suffering three consecutive home defeats.
However, Snoeijs has revealed the team is working hard off the pitch to create an on-field identity and put the new manager's ideas into practice.
READ MORE: 'Good day all round' - Matt Beard gives Liverpool verdict after Conti Cup win
READ MORE: Liverpool women player ratings as Melissa Lawley and two others excellent vs Blackburn Rovers
“Brian has a clear vision of how he wants us to play and I think during the week out on the pitch we’re really working on that," she told the ECHO.
"He can be very direct in how things need to be but he’s also open to have a discussion with which is good as a player because if you have a question or need a bit more information, you can always go up to him and have a chat. We all believe in the things he wants us to do and I think that’s important."
Following Everton's last WSL outing- a narrow defeat to Manchester City at Walton Hall Park - the manager said his side could take confidence from their performances against some of the toughest outfits in the league. Reflecting on those displays not always translating into points, Snoeijs said: “In the moment sometimes it is hard because we feel like we’re getting better and we’re able to compete with top teams but it’s football and you want to get the three points.
"Especially shortly after the game it’s frustrating because we’re getting close but we’re not getting any results. In the end the season’s long and the games are part of a process and we’re trying to improve. I think we all feel like if we keep improving in this way, at the end the results will come.”
Everton did manage to pick up a crucial win in the Continental Cup last weekend, with Snoeijs netting her first goal in royal blue as the Toffees beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Glanford Park.
“As a striker, you want to score as soon as possible so I’m happy that’s done now," the 26-year-old said. "I think the game was a bit tough until the first goal so I’m happy I got my first goal in that moment. I think after that we kind of decided the game and got two more goals."
The Blues will face a much sterner test when they return to league action with a visit to title hopefuls Arsenal at Meadow Park on Saturday. Jonas Eidevall's side were unbeaten until Manchester United's last-gasp win at the Emirates last time out, and Snoeijs is expecting the Gunners to come out strong this weekend.
She said: “They’ll probably need to set some things right after their last game but I think the good thing for us is, comparing to the other top teams we’ve already played, we know we are able to compete with them so I don’t think Arsenal should be a different game in that way. But of course they’re a top team, they’ve got quality so we need to find out how we’re able to compete with them and try to get the result in the game.”
For Snoeijs, who grew up idolising Dutch football icons like Robin van Persie, it's a dream to be getting the opportunity to test herself against the top teams in English football.
“Especially over the last couple of years the league has improved a lot," she said. "Not only on the field but also in how they represent themselves abroad, so I knew it was a league I always wanted to play for.
“We have a new team, a new manager, we’re really working on our identity and that’s our main focus. It’s a process and we’re trying not to be too focused on the outcome (for the end of the season) because that’s not something we can influence right now.”
Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order now from reachsportshop.com/https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
READ NEXT:
- Matt Beard lifts lid on 'heated' half-time team talk as Liverpool draw at Brighton
-
Liverpool's Gilly Flaherty overtakes Jill Scott to claim WSL record in Brighton draw
-
Liverpool Women's Eartha Cumings handed devastating diagnosis before signing for Reds
-
'Nearly impossible' - Katie Stengel lifts lid on Liverpool transfer 'shock' and issues WSL challenge
-
Julian Ward to leave Liverpool sporting director role as transfer overhaul considered
