Page 15 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No10 2020/21

But it was worth the wait. I remember being in a meeting and before the manager had even
spoken, seeing a sheet with my name on it and I remember trying to come up with every
possible reason why that couldn’t be the starting eleven until he confirmed it and I spent the
rest of the meeting trying to stop myself shaking. I have no idea what else was said after that
point. The game itself I don’t remember a lot about, just I remember it being very warm and
trying to chase Dutch shadows mainly.
WSS: Which matches were the ones that stood out for you in your career?
LD: For Wales – Germany away, the first time we played in front of a huge crowd (I can’t
remember the exact number, maybe 17,000 or more). To experience how big women’s football
was in another country. Their keeper Silke Rottenberg was retiring on 125 caps on the day and
we were probably playing more like our 100th game as a nation. I remember looking at the
clock after ten minutes and feeling like I had been playing for about 89! It was an amazing
experience and showed us what we needed to aspire to. The other obvious ones are England
away (0-0), having our red wall in the corner of the stadium at Southampton making so much
noise and holding out one of the top teams in the world. We left our hearts on that pitch.
Followed by Russia at home in a 3-0 win, it all came together that day. It still gives me goose
bumps and that set up the home match nicely against England. I have never felt support like
that in my life - it was overwhelming to have a nation behind you like that it makes me
emotional even now.
At club level I would say reaching two FA Cup finals, there is nothing quite like that
FA Cup final day! Also beating Barcelona in the last round of 16 in the Champions League will
always be up there!
WSS: Have there been any or many people who have had a big influence on your
playing career?
LD: Every single coach I have had, including the non-coaching staff. You cannot achieve
anything without others. The ones who believed in me to the ones who didn’t, it all played its
part and I’m thankful for every experience. I think Jarmo [Matikeinen] was the one who moved
me to full back, which was a massive part of my career, so that sticks out in my mind also. My
team mates who, through all the ups and downs, made me feel valued and appreciated when I
didn’t always feel that way about myself. And my family, the ones who I could go home to and
just be me - it didn’t matter whether I’d had a good game or a bad game. My parents were
always so level headed and supportive. They were realistic that it wasn’t always going to be
plain sailing, I’m not sure I would have had the career I had without their advice and support.
WSS: Wales have come so close to qualifying for major tournaments or at least
reaching the play-offs during your career, how confident are you that they can
go that one step further in the future?
LD: I believe that Wales have a good opportunity in the next campaign to do this. The squad is
so strong, the games against Norway proved the capabilities of the squad and the younger
players are getting better and better, they need to be given the opportunity to gain experience
alongside the support of the more experienced players. Yes, it will be hard of course, but I think
we have every opportunity in the next campaign. I’m excited for this team to express
themselves and show what they can do.
WSS: Are you hoping to stay in the women’s game in a coaching role, and do you
have any ambitions to be a manager one day?
LD: I get asked this a lot and get told I will be a manager one day; I don’t see this myself.
Maybe it will come with experience but to be honest, I think I am someone who loves the
challenge of taking ideas on paper and translating them into the training pitch and into the
game. That’s where I am happiest, working with good people and under a good leader who
inspires those around them. I don’t know exactly where my future lies but people always say
start with the why, why do you want to coach? My answer is to make a difference, to develop
people who play football. I want to help create history and create a better future for women’s
football.
Our thanks and best wishes to Loren! Photo by Will Cheshire
Issue no. 10 - 4 March 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk