Ahead of the resumption of the WSL this weekend, Alessia Russo spoke to the BBC about United’s ambitions for the rest of the season.
United will resume their league game against Liverpool tomorrow at home to Leigh Sports Village in front of what is expected to be a record crowd.
Rousseau told the BBC:
“I think it was great,” referring to the first half of the season.
“We put on a lot of great performances,” she continues. “We know where we want to go as a club and we have achieved compliance with that.”
However, Russo is under no illusions when they reach the halfway point, saying, “Obviously there’s still a long way to go — a big second half of the season.”
“I’m very proud to be a part of everything that’s been going on for the last six months,” she says.
The 23-year-old, who was part of the Lionesses’ Euro-winning team, has played a big role in United’s success so far.
It was Russo who won that thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal, which allowed the fans to really believe that they could participate in the fight for a place in the Champions League and, perhaps, be considered contenders for the title.
“I think it’s very important to get off to a good start because it sets the tone for the second half of the season.”
To a direct question about the possibility of competing for the title, Russo replied: “Never say never.”
“I hope that we will continue to show excellent results like this season, and I believe that we have no doubts. We want to keep winning every game we face this season, that’s where the bar is, the bar is high and we have to match it as players.”
Although at the beginning of the season United’s main goal was to get a chance to play in European football, Russo believes that the club can strive for more.
“I think this club has huge ambitions, and I think we, as players, have them too. We have to be sure that we have done a great job and proved it on the game days.”
Russo says the Reds don’t need to be afraid of anyone as they hope to challenge the league.
As doubts about her future at the club continue to gain momentum, she spoke about her personal ambitions, saying: “Last summer makes me want to continue and do even more. The World Cup is coming, I would like to take part in it, I would like to win the championship, I would like to win the Champions League.”
She admits that these are big ambitions, but hopes that she will be able to realize them. Whether she believes she can fulfill them with United remains to be seen.
More than 8,300 tickets have been sold for today’s game against Liverpool, and Russo will definitely take part, as Skinner hopes to put on a show against one of the club’s biggest rivals.
