Women's Super League news conferences: The key lines from all 12 managers

A big weekend is on the way in the Women's Super League, with derbies in Manchester, London and Liverpool as Women's Football Weekend makes its return.

Who is fit to play for your team this weekend? How do the managers think the title race is shaping up?

BBC Sport takes a look at what you need to know with the key lines from each club's pre-match news conference.

• Where to watch this weekend's WSL games

Arsenal

Jonas Eidevall said his side need to recover after losing to Chelsea in their previous fixture: "I think our performance was bad, the result was bad, we're obviously very disappointed with that. We don't think that was a true reflection of us as a team and what our standards are.

"We needed to take the first days after that to connect, to reflect, to learn what we needed to learn. After that we need to look forward. You need to put your focus on that, you need to shift your mindset and start looking forward. That's what we've been doing."

On whether Arsenal are still in the title race: "I'm a firm believer that you need to do your absolute best in every game you play, you need to prepare for that as good as possible. That's what we need to focus on, we have important games coming up and we'll take them one at a time."

Aston Villa

Carla Ward said her side are still struggling with injuries and illness: "We're still very, very thin on the ground. It's been tough. You have to adapt the week. There have been a couple of days where you only have 12 training which is not ideal at all. We've got the academy in to help boost numbers and try and get some additional work done. We'll be prepared, the girls will be ready and we're looking forward to it."

Brighton

Mikey Harris on facing Leicester at King Power Stadium: "We will go into the game full of confidence. I'm sure they will be really up for it as well because we're in a similar position in the league. It's fantastic to be at their stadium and that's always nice to play at the big grounds. It's what all coaches and players want to do - play in the biggest stadiums with the biggest crowds. That will give us an added motivation as I'm sure it will them. We're looking forward to it."

Bristol City

Lauren Smith on not getting the results: "In some aspects we do feel like we've come away from games frustrated often but knowing we were in touching distance. There is a little bit of disappointment that comes with that at times. Knowing we were resilient and harder to beat against [Manchester] United gives us another foundation. As long as we see those positives that helps us push through."

On WSL survival: "We've got to do what we can to try and win the game on Sunday and close that gap. The teams that we're chasing have games to play as well. We have to make sure we have a foundation this week and we are better than last week, and hopefully we get more than last week."

Chelsea

Emma Hayes on Chelsea's growing injury list: "I'm not going to moan about it. The last thing a fit and healthy player wants to hear from their manager is them talking about the players who are not there. I think it's right to respect that. It's not to say I don't value those that are injured, it's just that I'm in a business where I have to put all my attention into getting a result and I want to put all my attention into those who are available and give everything I can for them."

On this being their sixth of eight games in March: "I like the rhythm of games. The rhythm is building confidence in the ground and even though West Ham will be fresher than us it doesn't necessarily give them an advantage. I say this every week - I'm in the position I want to be in, the team are ready for the game. No matter if they've played two games, four games, six games - we're not here to make excuses, we're here to compete and we're certainly doing that."

Everton

Brian Sorensen said Everton's past form in the Merseyside derby won't matter on Sunday: "I think on Sunday everything that happened before doesn't count. It comes down to the day. We need to get our stuff right and perform, I think we have a good chance of winning of course, but also we respect Liverpool and the season they're having so we need to be at our best."

On dealing with an injury-hit squad: "I think the girls have been absolutely great in terms of adapting and performing. I think our performances have been very consistent. Of course sometimes at the end of games like in Villa when we need to chase, that's where it becomes hard because we probably don't have that depth in terms of being able to change five players and so on to make a difference. That's the challenge, but I think if we get it right from the start we can cause damage against them."

Leicester

Jennifer Foster said there is no update on the internal process regarding boss Willie Kirk: "I've been asked to take charge until I'm told otherwise. With the set-up we have here, regardless of whether one person is not available, we are still able to achieve the same things. From a player and staff point of view it's just been business as usual."

On targeting a top-six finish: "Definitely, that's the ambition we still have as a team and as a club. We're still able to achieve that providing we execute what we know we can."

Liverpool

Matt Beard said "form goes out of the window" in the Merseyside derby: "Regardless of whether Everton are on a poor run or we're on a good run, it makes no difference. It's about who can handle the atmosphere and the pressure on the day. We've just got to make sure we're prepared."

On team fitness: "We're looking good. Apart from Sofie [Lundgaard] and Taylor [Hinds], everyone trained today. Gemma Bonner trained and will be available from the bench. We're really pleased.

"Taylor should be back in team training next week. She's had a good two weeks, this week was about upping intensity and a bit more ball work. Sofie's out for the season. It's a big blow because she's been so patient, she's been excellent since she's been starting."

Manchester City

Gareth Taylor on chasing the title: "We have six games left of the season and we want to be in the same situation as we are now - joint on points [with Chelsea] - when we face Liverpool next week. We feel we can catch that goal difference up as it's only a small one. But we can't neglect what is in front of us and that starts tomorrow with a big one."

On how big the Manchester derby is: "They are all big games now. It's the business end of the season. It's kind of like a unique game for us and one we don't have very often. It's a really exciting time. Players have been good this week, preparation has gone well and we're really looking forward to being here tomorrow in front of our supporters."

Manchester United

Marc Skinner on whether his side need a statement victory: "In all honesty, a win would do. A statement win would be great. We know exactly where the project is going. Everyone judges us against what we did last year and we were ahead of schedule on that. We were almost perfect. Not many teams do that. We have no doubt that once we do the recruitment we want to do in the summer and in the next window, and when we get our players back fit for the whole season, I have no doubt where we'll be."

On whether United can compete with City over 90 minutes: "I absolutely whole-heartedly believe in my team to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City. I also pay respect. Manchester City have got so many results this year and are in good form themselves. You have to have a bit of luck but we have to be at the very best of our performance level. If we do that, I have no doubts we can beat any team."

• Parris says Man Utd can compete with Man City

Tottenham

Robert Vilahamn confirmed Martha Thomas has suffered a hamstring injury and is sidelined: "Hopefully it's only three weeks for her and, during the international break, she will be on the pitch again and prepare herself for the Adobe Women's FA Cup game."

On challenging for fourth place: "If we do everything right in the last six games and we have some really good performances and results, I think we can compete with those two teams above us. We are not doing everything perfect so it's going to be hard. We know what we need."

West Ham

Rehanne Skinner on the confidence the Hammers can take from recent home performances against Arsenal and Manchester United: "We've shown we turned up and we performed really well at home in those games and we're looking forward to turning up for our fans this weekend. When we played Chelsea last in the FA Cup we gave a really good account of ourselves in that game. The players are really up for it and it's an opportunity to bounce back from this weekend."

On the role home fans can play: "We've sold over 3,000 tickets, the fanbase is growing which is such an important part of what we wanted to achieve this year. You want to lift the crowd and give things back. We're working hard at creating a home atmosphere that makes it a difficult place to come to."

• Women's game at London Stadium a 'big priority' for West Ham