“They are the best team in the league, but we’re up for a fight.” - Eder Maestre outlines London City's vision

Eder Maestre provided a comprehensive and considered assessment of his team’s current position, ongoing development, and long term ambitions. Approachable and thoughtful throughout the conversation, Maestre spoke with openness and clarity, offering valuable insight into both the immediate challenges facing the squad and the broader direction in which he aims to take the club.

Maestre began by reflecting on recent performances, acknowledging that while results have not always reflected the team’s effort, there have been encouraging signs in structure, organisation, and overall control of matches. He highlighted the importance of maintaining belief in the process, stressing that consistency in performance standards is a key foundation for sustainable progress.

A recurring theme during the interview was the need for greater efficiency in the final third. Maestre openly discussed the difficulty his side has faced in converting positive phases of possession into clear scoring opportunities. He explained that improvements in decision making, movement, and timing are areas of focus on the training ground, underlining that these details often determine outcomes at the highest level.

Discussion then turned to London City’s upcoming opposition, Manchester City, with Maestre offering a detailed and respectful assessment of the challenge they present. He spoke highly of City’s consistency and technical quality, describing them as a team capable of controlling games through both possession and intensity. Maestre highlighted their tactical discipline and depth across the squad, noting that they are well equipped to maintain high standards throughout the full ninety minutes. He also referenced their ability to exploit small moments, emphasising that concentration and decision making will be critical against an opponent that capitalises quickly on errors. Despite acknowledging the scale of the task, Maestre was clear that preparation would remain focused on London City’s own performance. He stressed the importance of belief, organisation, and collective responsibility, reinforcing that adherence to the team’s principles will be essential in meeting the demands posed by one of the league’s strongest sides.

Despite these challenges, Maestre expressed strong confidence in the attitude and commitment of his players. He spoke positively about the group’s work ethic and willingness to embrace tactical instruction, noting that collective responsibility and trust in one another remain central to the team’s identity. According to Maestre, progress is built through patience, discipline, and a shared understanding of roles within the system.

Squad management and player development also featured prominently in the discussion. Maestre emphasised the importance of balancing ambition with long term planning, particularly when managing fitness levels and integrating players into the squad. He highlighted the value of maintaining cohesion and ensuring that each individual is physically and mentally prepared to contribute when called upon.

When addressing upcoming fixtures, Maestre adopted a calm and pragmatic approach. While recognising the quality and depth present across the league, he reiterated that preparation would remain centred on London City’s own performance standards rather than external expectations. He stressed that tactical organisation, emotional control, and adaptability are essential components when competing against elite opposition.

Defensive discipline was another area Maestre touched upon, praising the team’s willingness to work collectively without the ball. He noted that maintaining concentration and structure throughout matches is critical, particularly during high pressure moments, and credited the players for their commitment to these principles.

Throughout the press conference, Maestre conveyed a sense of steady confidence and clear purpose. His communication reflected a coach who is deeply invested in building a strong identity, fostering resilience, and laying foundations for long term success. As London City Lionesses continue their journey, Maestre’s measured leadership and strategic clarity suggest a team steadily growing in belief, understanding, and competitive maturity.