Hawa Cissoko says West Ham United Women fully intend to take the game to Manchester City in Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League clash.
The Irons resume their campaign – and kick-off 2023 – against the Manchester side at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday evening, in a contest that sees fifth take on fourth in the division.
Having enjoyed a strong opening few months to the season, Cissoko is adamant that her and her teammates are eager to keep winning and pushing up the table.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Cissoko said. “Manchester City are a big team with many good players. But we’ve got good players as well.
“We’re going to fight hard and go for the win. We don’t want to slip from the fifth position we’ve earned for ourselves so we’re going out to take the game to City. We’re fifth right now and we want to be even higher.”
The French defender has relished life in the West Ham team this season, praising the impact of manager Paul Konchesky on her own performances.
“Konch has helped to make me a more confident player,” she continued. “He’s really demanding, which is a good thing.
“He’s shows me every day how important I am for him and his team, and that fills me with confidence. He wants us to go out and play, and win, in every game. I really like that.”
In the Irons’ final game of 2022, Cissoko scored a wonderful chip to help the side to a 2-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.
The centre-back is proud of her goalscoring efforts in that win and is hopeful she can add even more finishes for the Hammers this season.
She added: ““My first thought when I scored that goal was ‘we’ve won the game’. It was amazing to see everyone happy and I couldn’t stop smiling. People were telling me it was a beautiful goal and I was really proud of myself.
“Another one on Sunday? Why not! I’m not a striker but if the chance comes along to score, I hope I can take it.”
