Sevilla 0-0 Spurs | Martin’s verdict: “A good step towards where we want to go”

Martin Ho is keen to build on a much-improved second-half performance after our goalless draw at Sevilla for our pre-season opener on Friday evening.

Leading the side out in his first game in charge, Martin admitted that it took time for his players to get going at Estadio Jesus Navas as we were indebted to Lize Kop after she produced a crucial save midway through the first period to keep the scores level.

However, we upped the tempo after the restart and carved out a number of opportunities. Jess Naz and Martha Thomas both denied superbly by a combination of Isabel Alvarez Tenorio and goalkeeper Esther Sullastres Ayus after just five minutes, with the shot stopper then tipping Matilda Vinberg’s effort over the bar.

Despite controlling large parts of the proceedings in the second-half, we were unable to find the breakthrough as our first outing under our new Head Coach ended as a stalemate in southern Spain.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY after the game, Martin said: “First half, we were a little bit naïve and weren’t brave enough. We were probably a couple of yards off in those pressure moments and allowed too many box entries.

“The second-half was totally different, we were more aggressive, more on the front foot, a lot more direct with our pressing. With the ball, we were braver, trying to maintain possession, and more importantly, getting into the right areas. We regained possession on numerous high presses and played through in nice areas.

“Even though we had some good chances in the first half, I think the second half was more pleasing. I said to the players that we have to show more personality and pride than in the first half.

“I’m really pleased with the second-half because we created numerous chances, got into good positions, and showed more of what we want to be.

“It will take a little time for the players in the first game to really get going, but it’s a good step towards where we want to go.”

While the focus will be in the attacking positions, trying to build more confidence in front of goal, Martin also spoke of his delight in keeping a clean sheet at the other end of the pitch, while highlight Lize’s big save in the first half.

“Once confidence starts to come in front of goal, and we’re trying to lift the players in that confidence and self-belief, with how we want to play and things we want to do," he added.

“The way we’re playing now is authentic to the Club and once we start taking those chances, we’ll be in a good space.”

“Lize pulled off a brilliant save in the first half when they went through one-on-one. They had some other half-chances but, in the second half, they didn’t have one box entry. That’s a big plus for us after the numerous entries in the first half.

“We were more aggressive, more compact, and didn’t allow them to play through. The clean sheet will give Lize and the backline confidence, but more importantly, we need more of the second half and less of the first half.”