'Many ways to hunt' - Palace's fight for WSL survival
Crystal Palace may be fighting for Women's Super League survival but their new manager Leif Smerud does not want them to be easy prey.
The Norwegian says he wants them to "hunt" and "fight" for scraps.
Smerud joined the club this month when Palace sacked former boss Laura Kaminski after results left them four points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Forty-eight-year-old Smerud, who managed Norway's men's and women's national teams, is preparing Palace for a crucial game against second-bottom Aston Villa on Sunday (14:00 GMT).
They have seven matches left this season to earn points and Smerud's message to his players has been clear - they cannot give up.
"I don't want to run and be scared. We have to be brave. We are in a situation where we have very little to lose but it's easy to be scared," said Smerud.
"There are many ways to hunt. You wouldn't hunt a lion on an open field - you need to find another way. To look ahead, not be scared and sit back is important.
"We can't control the outcomes but we can control what we do and the mindset is important."
'A hunting unit that doesn't quit'
For Smerud, a licensed clinical psychologist, having the right mindset is everything.
He describes himself as a "team guy", "a builder" and someone who is "very open" with his players.
Ultimately, his aim is to bring the team together to understand the best ways in which they can attack opposition in order to get results.
"If you are going to build then you have to challenge yourself and create a game where you try to hunt and be quite brave," he said.
"You can't be naive, you have to be pushing and developing. I want us to hunt the ball, hunt the goal and hunt development as one unit.
"I don't like to see my teams quitting so we will keep working and be flexible - a hunting unit that doesn't quit."
From the outside Smerud has seen the team struggle during what he describes as a "rough season".
Having gained promotion from the Women's Championship in 2024, Palace were always expected to be at the bottom of the table but Smerud hopes to change perceptions.
"It has been close in quite a few of the games. They could have won them but they didn't and that is really heavy mentally when you end up on the losing side often," said Smerud.
"It adds a kind of pressure so I think to come in, change some perspective and provide a clear way of doing things can hopefully bring some direction.
"I want to take away the fear that will sneak in. People think about surviving but let's think about fighting instead."
Topics
-
WSL: Kirby strike helps Brighton beat Spurs, Palace pull off huge win
After Chelsea lifted the Women's League Cup on Saturday, there were just two fixtures in the WSL on Sunday. Here's what happened. Crystal Palace take big step forward in bid to avoid relegation ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Report: Crystal Palace Midfielder Close to New Deal
Will Hughes Set to Extend Crystal Palace Stay Amid Transfer InterestCrystal Palace are edging closer to securing the long-term future of Will Hughes, with reports suggesting that advanced contract ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Public Health Survived the Pandemic. Now It Fights Politics.
Five years after the pandemic began, many local health officials say that the politicization of Covid has left them with fewer tools and fresh challenges.The New York Times - 3d -
Crystal Palace counter Manchester City interest in midfielder as club’s stance on summer sale revealed
Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell Manchester City target Adam Wharton in the summer, as per a new report.Wharton has been linked with a summer switch to the Etihad Stadium, with the ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Crystal Palace open contract talks with Oliver Glasner amid Leipzig interest
Austrian’s work with Eagles attracts Bundesliga interest Jean-Philippe Mateta trains in Marbella after head injury Crystal Palace have opened talks with Oliver Glasner over extending his ...The Guardian - 4d -
Fox host asks Trump whether he is 'comfortable' that 'Ukraine may not survive'
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo pressed President Trump on whether he is “comfortable” with the idea that Ukraine “may not survive” the war with Russia. Trump sat down for an interview with Bartiromo ...The Hill - Mar. 10 -
WSL’s new £65m TV contract must be renegotiated if relegation is suspended
Sky/BBC deal runs for five years from next season No relegation would mean meaningless ties on TV The Women’s Super League’s £65m TV contract with Sky Sports and the BBC will have to be ...The Guardian - 4d -
Championship top-two fight will go to wire - Wilder
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expects the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League to go all the way.BBC News - 6d -
Trump Wants to Kill Carried Interest. Wall Street Will Fight to Keep It.
President Trump has been trying to eliminate the tax loophole, which benefits Wall Street, but Congressional Republicans may stand in the way.The New York Times - Mar. 8
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Report: Newcastle eye versatile attacker for transfer, Isak plans laid bare
Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Randal Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, according to reports from Italy.The club recently claimed victory in the Carabao Cup – their ...Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Report: Newcastle eye versatile attacker for transfer, Isak plans laid bare
Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Randal Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, according to reports from Italy.The club recently claimed victory in the Carabao Cup – their ...Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Fight over planned redevelopment of White Stadium by Boston NWSL continues with trial
Boston’s NWSL club, which recently announced it is changing its name after a negative response to its first attempt, is now hoping for a different type of win in court this week. On Tuesday, the ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Fight over planned redevelopment of White Stadium by Boston NWSL continues with trial
Boston’s NWSL club, which recently announced it is changing its name after a negative response to its first attempt, is now hoping for a different type of win in court this week. On Tuesday, the ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
How Louisville and Kentucky basketball experience compare to recent NCAA Tournament teams
Louisville and Kentucky basketball are top-10 in KenPom's experience rankings. How do they compare to successful NCAA Tournament teams of years past?Yahoo Sports - 17m
More in Sports
-
Report: Newcastle eye versatile attacker for transfer, Isak plans laid bare
Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Randal Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, according to reports from Italy.The club recently claimed victory in the Carabao Cup – their ...Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Report: Newcastle eye versatile attacker for transfer, Isak plans laid bare
Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Randal Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, according to reports from Italy.The club recently claimed victory in the Carabao Cup – their ...Yahoo Sports - 9m -
Fight over planned redevelopment of White Stadium by Boston NWSL continues with trial
Boston’s NWSL club, which recently announced it is changing its name after a negative response to its first attempt, is now hoping for a different type of win in court this week. On Tuesday, the ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Fight over planned redevelopment of White Stadium by Boston NWSL continues with trial
Boston’s NWSL club, which recently announced it is changing its name after a negative response to its first attempt, is now hoping for a different type of win in court this week. On Tuesday, the ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
How Louisville and Kentucky basketball experience compare to recent NCAA Tournament teams
Louisville and Kentucky basketball are top-10 in KenPom's experience rankings. How do they compare to successful NCAA Tournament teams of years past?Yahoo Sports - 17m