Everton Women head coach Scott Phelan insists his squad remain in good spirits despite a 2-0 Merseyside Derby defeat to Liverpool, as they prepare to host Birmingham City at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Blues were beaten at Anfield last Sunday, their third consecutive loss to Liverpool since Phelan took charge in February. The 38-year-old, a Scouser and former Everton reserve team and Under-21s captain, acknowledged the hat-trick of reversals this year against their local rivals will hurt, but believes his players have stayed level-headed.
Phelan: Mood has not been affected
Phelan said: "I don't think the mood has been affected too much. The girls have been in good spirits."
He added: "We had a rest day on Monday after the game and returned on Tuesday so maybe that helped but we reflected on the game when we returned on our first day and then focused fully on the challenge ahead this week with Birmingham. So, I wouldn't suggest that the mood has been affected too much."
"It works both ways. When we win, we don't over-celebrate and when we lose, we don't batter ourselves too much and get down in the dumps."
Focus on Birmingham
Everton already beat Birmingham City 2-0 in a Women's Players Cup group stage encounter at Goodison Park a week-and-a-half ago. While Phelan is encouraged by that result, he does not believe his team can take anything for granted.
He said: "I think both teams made quite a few changes that night. We were pleased with how we performed and two of our players did score on that night so that was nice."
"Listen, we'd be foolish to take any certainties from the cup game. We can take confidence of course and maybe some information about how the opponent plays but we won't be counting our chickens."
Goal scoring focus
Slovenian international Zara Kramzar and Japan international Yuka Momiki scored in that cup match, but Momiki's stoppage-time winner at West Ham United on September 20 remains the only goal scored by an Everton player in a Women's Super League match this season.
Phelan claims not to be worried about his team's firepower but maintains it is an area they are looking to improve. He said: "It's not a concern but it's an area we're working on. We have managed to win games which is ultimately the most important stat."
Everton Women v Birmingham City kicks off at 2pm today at Goodison Park. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for Juniors (U18s).
