Katie and Renee united and focused for Lyon

Comebackability has been one of the key traits for our women’s team this season, and we’re going to need to deploy it again if we’re to reach the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League this weekend.

We’re 2-1 down on aggregate going into the semi-final second leg away to Lyon, but Renee Slegers and the team are full of belief that we can turn the tie around.

“Of course, you want to set up yourself so you don't have to overcome setbacks,” Renee said on Friday. “That's the starting point. But we also know that in sports it will happen, because the further you go, the better teams you play against, this will happen. You're going to play against good teams and good players. So what happens with us when we are in that situation and we have to come back within those 90 minutes or in the second leg? And I think the team so far has shown so much strength in those moments.

“And I think that's key for us to be a winning team, that whatever happens, we stick to it, we keep on going, we have a mindset of winning, we persist, and we keep on believing in what we're doing and we're aligned on that. And I think that's what the team has been showing. They've invested so much, the players, into these processes. And I think that's why we've been able to turn things around before. And that, of course, gives us belief for the future as well.”

Katie McCabe added: “Obviously, just to echo what Renee said, I think we're seeing the benefits of it now, the Real Madrid game, the Bayern Munich game, but this is something we've been conscious of probably for a long time. Because I think to be champions and really progress in Europe and win competitions, you have to have that aspect in the game, not just individually, but as a team. And I think when we've went down a goal or two or had to turn the leg around or different playing conditions, if you're away somewhere, you need to see that, respect it, and then focus on what we can do and what we can control.

“Obviously, the most recent one was the Real Madrid game, and I think conditions were what it was away from home. But, yes, we kept it in our control of bringing them back to the Emirates and playing our football and playing the Arsenal way. And, yes, it obviously helps then when it comes off. But it's something that we've been working on and conscious of over the last year or two, for sure.”

Katie also spoke the grit and determination we’ll have to display to come back from France with our place booked in the final.

“You have to have it all,” she said. “You have to have every one of those words you said, the grit, the perseverance, the courage to step up in these games. We were frustrated at times, especially in the first leg, by the fine margins and not getting over the line as such. But, as Renee touched on, we've been hard at it. In terms of looking at how we can do better in those moments, keep improving, keep creating those opportunities. It's all on Sunday now to make sure we get over the line. 

"I'm very lucky to be part of a fantastic group of teammates and high-quality staff. To play at a club like Arsenal for as long as I have, I don't take that for granted at all. The feeling the fans give us as well, especially at the Emirates last Saturday. I know we've obviously got travelling fans coming up over the weekend as well. How important they are for me, I never take for granted putting on this shirt. To be heading into a semi-final of a Champions League is something I just can't wait to embrace.”