Ashley Lawrence: 'Always a tough game'
With the derby against Paris FC coming up, the Canada international looked back on the season start and forward to the challenges ahead.
Ashley, YOU WON AN OLYMPIC GOLD THIS SUMMER...HOW DID YOU FEEL AT THE FINAL WHISTLE?
"Very proud. It was quite a special tournament with a lot of hurdles to overcome. We stayed really united. We hoped to change the colour of our medal. We already had the bronze, and we wanted to make history for our country. At the final whistle, there was a flood of emotions. I was very happy to see that all our sacrifices had paid off. That experience gave me a lot of confidence."
A NEW COACH HAS COME IN. WHAT HAS THAT CHANGE BEEN LIKE?
"Very good. The coach's arrival means we start a new adventure. We have a very ambitious staff. The message is to stay focused every day, to work well and also enjoy ourselves on the pitch. That's what's going to make the difference. All the girls have understood the coach's philosophy, and I think that we can go far with that attitude."
FOR THE MOMENT, IT'S THREE WINS-FROM-THREE IN THE LEAGUE. HOW ARE YOU APPROACHING THE DERBY?
"We have started the season very well with three wins and no goals conceded. We know the derby is always a tough game. They also have three wins, so we'll have to be solid defensively, and clinical when we create chances. We'll have to be on it for 90 minutes. It'll be a close game, but we're going there to impose our style of play on the match and bring back three points."
THE FANS ARE SLOWLY COMING BACK TO GAMES. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE THEM WITH YOU?
"The fans are a big plus for us. I think we have the best fans. That makes the difference. At home and away, we are lucky to have their support. I hope they'll also be there for the Champions League."