London City Lionesses Media Day: Earps, Maestre, and Squad Insights
Short overview
BBC Women's Football Weekly visits London City Lionesses' media day, featuring Mary Earps' return to the WSL, coach Eder Maestre on club culture, and player interviews on growth and ambitions.
In the latest episode of BBC Women's Football Weekly, host Ben Haines takes listeners behind the scenes at London City Lionesses' media day in Kent. The episode, available for over a year, offers an in-depth look at the club's preparations and personalities ahead of the new season.
Mary Earps on WSL Return and Overcoming Setbacks
New signing Mary Earps joined Ben to discuss her return to the Women's Super League and the challenges she has faced. Earps, a key addition to the squad, spoke candidly about resilience and her determination to succeed at the highest level.
Eder Maestre on Club Culture and Playing Identity
Head coach Eder Maestre provided insight into the club's culture and playing philosophy. He highlighted the importance of identity on the pitch and described Alexia Putellas as an extension of himself during matches, emphasizing her influence and leadership.
Player Interviews: Growth, Bonding, and Personal Stories
Freya Godfrey returned to the podcast to discuss squad bonding, her personal development, and her improving Spanish. Izzy Goodwin shared her newfound enthusiasm for Fortnite, her infectious energy, and clarified whether she prefers to be called Izzy or Isobel. Jana Fernandez reflected on a much-needed summer break, exploring British supermarkets, and bringing famous friends to the club. Alanna Kennedy rounded off the interviews by discussing consistency in the number six role and the squad's ambitions for the upcoming season.
Timecodes for Key Segments
The episode includes timecodes for easy navigation: Ben Haines on the road (00:04), Mary Earps interview (01:32), Eder Maestre interview (10:12), Freya Godfrey interview (18:15), Izzy Goodwin interview (28:08), Jana Fernandez interview (38:40), and Alanna Kennedy interview (53:00).
More on these topics
Sydney Leroux: From U-20 Star to World Cup Champion
Sydney Leroux made history at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. She later helped the USA claim Olympic gold in 2012 and the Women's World Cup in 2015, cementing her legacy.
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.
From Taekwondo to Record Transfer: Olivia Smith's Rise
Olivia Smith became the first £1m women's footballer when Arsenal signed her from Liverpool. Her journey includes taekwondo, gymnastics, and a father who tracked her goals. Now 22, she reflects on the sacrifices that shaped her career.
Wafcon 2026: Cameroon's Upset Victory Signals Shift in African
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations saw Cameroon claim their first title with upset wins over Nigeria and Morocco, while Malawi reached the final. Experts discuss what this changing of the guard means for the sport's future.