Laia Codina was on the scoresheet for Arsenal in their 2-0 FA Cup win over London City Lionesses on Sunday. Codina spoke to the media post-match, the first two questions are from Arseblog News.
On a physical game on a tough playing surface today…
Yeah, I think that’s a good summary. I think they are doing well in the second tier and we know a lot of players that they have who play in their national teams. But I think that we also made some changes, we came from a hard block of Chelsea, City away, City home. I think it was really important to to win today and to go through in the cup.
On playing in midfield for parts of games recently…
I was just speaking with my dad and I think that the last time that I played there, I was maybe 14 when I arrived in Barcelona, but obviously I’m open for everything. Renee knows that. I like to play football it doesn’t matter in which position. It’s more about to understand the game, so I’m happy to to help wherever that is.
On scoring a good headed goal today…
Yeah, it’s nice. I’m really happy. I always look for those headers. Chris (Bradley) the setpiece coach always encourages me and I was like, ‘okay, Chris, but please. don’t say anymore because I’m not gonna score,’ but now I score. I think that was a great assist from Kyra, so I’m happy to help the team with a goal. I think that this one was for the fans because they they’ve been incredible and we really really need them.
On her various centre-half partnerships with Wubben-Moy, Williamson and Ilestedt…
I think this is all about speaking, communication, talking, it’s so easy to play with these players, but I talk a lot about with all of them how it is about communication. I think that we work quite well, we are train a lot together, so it’s easier.
On playing in front of a close to sold out Emirates next weekend…
I think that’s they are always really loud because we really feel them. That’s the truth and it’s incredible. I think that’s the first time last year when I play the derby and singing North London forever at the beginning. I had goosebumps, so I hope for the same.
On how London City Lionesses compare to WSL teams after their big investment…
I think that they compete well, they have a lot of good players. They can play with the ball, but also they can play long, so that always helps you to have different options, to have different plans. If they can go to the WSL next year they are going to be a tough game and a tough team for sure. They’re investing a lot and that is something that also helps the other teams.
On the importance of winning the cup this season…
We were speaking before the game about how important it is for us to be in the FA Cup. We have the number of FA Cups the club has won on our sleeves today and I think that is massive. It has to be our main goal also with the Champions League and we aim for as many competitions as possible- in the league too. It is always important for Arsenal and we want to go to Wembley.
On drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final…
I’m excited. We were watching the draw together and then when they say Real Madrid, all all of the girls watch me and Mariona! It’s incredible because obviously the rivalry that there is between Barcelona and Real Madrid and now, that we are able to play against Real Madrid with Arsenal. It is nice and it’s also gonna be a a tough game and I can’t wait for it.
Nice interview.
I hadn’t thought about the significance of RM to our ex-Barca players, but it makes total sense, so hopefully they will have a little extra for us in those matches.
Thought it was cute that they all looked at the Spaniards
A superb signing for Arsenal, who IMO is destined to be a key player.
I hope to see Codina in the Derby, she is a key player at the back and in midfield, she has an incredible sense of positioning, she is a defender who puts her body on the line to defend her area, and few people give her credit for that.