The media heard from Everton’s head coach, Brian Sørenson, this morning as his side look to march ahead in their Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign. Sunday’s fixture will see the Toffees travel to Grange Park to face FA WPL Premier Division side, Nottingham Forest.

Everton’s recent Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Chelsea ended in a controversial 3-0 defeat, with Chelsea awarded two highly contested penalties as well as Blues manager, Brian Sørenson, shown a red card.

The awarded sanction will see the manager absent from the touchline during Sunday’s fixture with Nottingham Forest. Despite controversial discussion surrounding the decision, the Blues boss does not intend to appeal the FA’s misconduct charge against him, describing the incident as being a result of “frustration and accumulation.”

Eager to move on from the events of last weekend, Sørenson spoke of taking responsibility, and reflected on his perspective of the events, as they unfolded.

“It was a frustrating game because I think we did as good as we can do under the circumstances. Chelsea are a top team and they have of course really good quality, but I don’t think they need that kind of help to win a game.”

Sørenson drew a distinction between last Sunday’s league defeat to Chelsea and Everton’s upcoming clash with Forest, describing the fixtures as “two different games”.

Nottingham Forest currently occupy the second spot in the FA Women’s National League North table, just four points shy of Newcastle United. They recently edged out the table-toppers 2-1, and racked up an impressive six goals to knock Plymouth Argyle out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in the competition’s the fourth round.

Optimistic that his Merseyside outfit will dominate the upcoming tie, Sørenson acknowledged the challenges that come with such a draw. The Toffees boss also praised the efforts of his managerial counterpart in Carly Davies, saying “we have to respect that they are doing well.”

“They look like the want to play, they look like a good coached team, and we don’t take that task lightly at all. We want to progress in the FA Cup, and let’s see what the circumstances we have to play under are. The pitch is probably not what we’re used to so that’s something to take into consideration, but it should be a game that we progress from.”

Sørenson maintained that despite the game’s differences, preparations are well underway. The team are focused on securing another important cup win following their triumph over Aston Villa in the fourth round of the cup competition.

Everton have faced significant setbacks with injuries so far in their turbulent season, having seen a pile up of absences throughout their 2023/24 campaign. Sørensen reflected on these challenges that this has imposed, highlighting that “We still have a good group, but of course it’s frustrating.”

Sørensen updated those in the media of any injury changes to Everton’s squad list, confirming that Karen Holmgaard, Sara Holmgaard, and Emily Ramsey, will all be absent from Sunday’s travelling side. The Blues head coach unsurprisingly confirmed that he will be looking to start his strongest 11 on Sunday. The fixture could additionally provide an opportunity for Everton’s newer and younger players take to the stage.

Sørensen spoke on the potential of such, stating “We have a couple of players we need to see how today and tomorrow go in terms of being ready, but I’m hopeful that they are ready.”

Sørenson was full of individual praise for Kathrine Kühl, following the Danish midfielder’s signing with the club on loan from Everton’s league counterparts in Arsenal during the winter transfer window.

“Kathrine is very skilful on the ball, so we want to play her central and get her into situations where she can break lines with her skills. She moves very well.”

“It depends from game to game where we see she can be impactful. She’s one that covers a lot of ground and is always playable so it’s about progressing through the thirds and breaking the lines, and that’s where I think she is superb.”

Tenth in the WSL table as of today, Sørenson’s Toffees intend to bounce back from recent defeats and make the most of their success so far in the battle to stay in the running for the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Everton’s crucial fifth round FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest will kick off at 4pm on Sunday. It will be available to watch via live on the FA Player.