Sam Kerr: 'I love pressure, I love big games' Photo: Getty Images/Alex Davidson
Sam Kerr loves big games and his track record proves it. The Australian striker has scored nine goals in six major domestic cup final appearances for Chelsea and her eyes light up as she discusses preparations for a third straight Women's FA Cup final.
Since arriving at Chelsea midway through the 2019/20 season amid huge expectations, the Australian striker has helped Emma Hayes' the team has won seven major domestic trophies out of a possible 10, which is probably why she shakes her head and says «oh my god no» when asked if she ever goes to a cup final with fear. about losing.
"You can never think about losing. This is the main sin of a football player. If you think about it, it will happen" says the 29-year-old as he speaks to a small group of journalists via video link ahead of Sunday's meeting with Manchester United at Wembley.
"I think only about the good, about the holiday. Once you start thinking negative thoughts, that's the only way you'll go. I imagine scoring a goal, celebrating, meeting my family after the game, everything that makes me play football and be a footballer.
"I love pressure, I love big games, I like when you have a moment in the palm of your hand and I can do something great."
The Australian captain adds that Wembley is her favorite stadium and it's not hard to imagine why. She played three times there for Chelsea, including in the 2020 Women's FA Community Shield and the last two Women's FA Cup finals, scoring four goals and celebrating the trophy. every time.
Sam Kerr: «I was worried about skipping practice to attend the king's coronation»
"Every time I go there, it's for a trophy. I should never visit otherwise. This is a stadium for big games" Kerr adds. "You don't go there to play any other game except for the trophy. I have never been there and never won a trophy. Fingers crossed this weekend."
If Kerr continues to score against Manchester United, her experience at the national stadium will probably be the same again. She has scored seven goals in seven games against United in all competitions, including both of this season's Women's Super League meetings between two title rivals.
Kerr led the Australian delegation to Westminster Abbey for the king's coronation. Photo: AP/Kin Cheung
However, if you ask her about her own contribution to winning matches, she is quick to point out those who tune in for assists, adding: «I'm a very lucky player because I get the most amazing services from every player. , Niamh, Guro, Elena, Jessie, they are all incredible players.
"My role in the team is to score and I have such faith in the team that they will do anything that makes me score. "
Kerr, who was named 2023 Women's Footballer of the Year for 2023 by the Football Writers' Association on Friday morning, says just over a year since she scored two stunning volleys against Manchester United in the final. day of the 2021-22 WSL season to claim her third league title in a row as a Chelsea player, and she wants a repeat of the hype generated by her impressive goals that day.
She adds: ".People are still talking about Manchester United's last game of the season — it's great to have another moment like this on the horizon.
There could be a few big moments on the horizon for Kerr , and not only is Chelsea's home double on the line for the rest of May, but the Women's World Cup this summer, co-hosted by New Zealand and Kerr's hometown of Australia.
The former Perth Glory and Sydney striker is fully aware of how important the rest of 2023 can be in her life, and her face is likely to be on most billboards in Australia ahead of the national championship. the first major tournament on home soil.
She adds: "To be honest, it was a little crazy to think about all this. I don't think now, for me personally, is the time to think. I think [I think] after all this summer, after all is said and done. But it was an amazing journey to get here. Last year was amazing and this year will obviously be the most important of my career and life and I will remember it forever.
«It's a whirlwind but I love it and I'm very proud to be part of all these changes in women's football.”
Unfortunately, one player won& #39; Not going to be part of this summer's World Cup is Kerr's partner in offense in attack, Fran Kirby, with whom she helped lead Chelsea to a home treble in the 2020-21 campaign. England's Kirby is out for the remainder of this season and the World Cup due to a knee injury.
Kerr didn't let attending the coronation affect her performance. Photo: PA/Rhianna Chadwick. First of all, as a teammate, you are frustrated with her. But on a personal level, it's just frustrating to see someone miss out on a major tournament.» Kerr said.
“I miss playing with Fran, she is one of the best players in the world and an incredible talent. Especially as a 9, having a 10 like that against you obviously makes your life a lot easier. But I think the club and we as players have supported her and just want her to come back better and healthier and play and go back to where she enjoys her football. It's just that she's getting better and wants to see her on the field sooner — selfishly, I'm very happy to have her back on the field"
As for Kerr, what could be in the future? She has a contract with Chelsea until at least the summer of 2024 and despite knowing she will turn 30 in September, she feels she can still get better and better.
< p>"I think I can give a lot more" she adds. “I think Emma [Hayes] is trying her best to let me rest because I get a little mad if I don’t play! I still have a lot to achieve.
"I'm still getting better and you can't see into the future, but I see myself getting bigger and better than I am now, and I hope to continue win trophies with this team and move on"
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