Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lindsey Heaps is relishing in the challenge as the French giants prepare to face Arsenal in the semi final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The arrival of Joe Montemurro posed an onslaught of questions as to whether or not Lyon would be able to maintain their strong European dominance in the wake of Sonia Bompastor’s departure. Last year’s finalists are one step away from redemption, and a two-legged semi final test against Arsenal is all that stands in their way.
U.S. Women’s National Team captain and Lyon midfielder Lindsey Heaps is relishing the challenge, but says the Gunners are not to be underestimated.
“They have the individual individuality, like the uniqueness of some of their individuals, that’s a that’s very exciting for a team. But then, the team play is also very good. I rate them very highly and respect them so much,” Heaps praised of Lyon’s semi final opponents.
“So I think that’s what makes this game very exciting. You have two teams that love to have the ball and love to play and but have also played in really big games, and know what’s at stake as well. So I think for a viewer, this is what you want to see, and for a player, this is what you want to play in.
“We really respect the opponent. We know we’re going to play the Emirates with the with a really special fan base, but it is about us and we, we remember that we focus on Lyon and what we want to do and how we want to play, but just know what their threats are and and how they could hurt us as well.”
Lyon will travel to England’s capital to face the Gunners at Emirates Stadium, a place that Arsenal has transformed into a cauldron as of late. Renée Slegers’s side has scored four goals in seven consecutive home games, an astounding run of form ahead of the semi final.
“I think for me personally, as a player, you just you always want these kind of games,” Heaps spoke on the pressure on playing in north London. I think you always want these kind of crowds and this kind of atmosphere, even if it’s against you, it’s the best thing in the world. These are the games that you want to play in.
“Obviously there’s going to be a lot of noise, so the focus needs to be high, and the communication on the pitch obviously needs to be high. But I think so many players on this team are experienced. You get that in World Cups, you get it in Olympics and a lot of big games. It’s also just a very special thing that Arsenal has, and the fans that they get, the fan base, they get the atmosphere that they they can create. So very, very excited for that.”
Joe Montemurro allows Lyon ‘to play with freedom’
Montemurro’s short tenure has not fallen short of expectation, as the French giants currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Division 1 Feminine table. Heaps says that she believes Montemurro “has done a really great job at just getting us back to the Lyon style.”
“He’s [Montemurro] given us that freedom to play, but with a few tactical adjustments here and there for certain games. But I think just having us feel the game and feel the ball and value the ball, I think that is such a big thing for Olympique Lyonnais, and he knows the standards of this club and expectations, so I think he’s done a really great job,” Heaps praised.
Heaps praised the freedom that Montemurro has provided the squad since his arrival at Lyon: “I think it’s more, how do you want to say it, the vibe. You know, the freedom to play. I think there’s always, like a freedom within structure.”
“I think nailing down little bits of the structure and how we want to play and and positionally, where we want to be, and filling roles, but in that, there is the freedom to bring out your qualities and your strengths. I think that’s really important, and to remember that for all players. I think when you have that bit of freedom, and you have that feeling, it brings a lot of confidence. That’s what I’ve seen over the course of this year with a lot of our players.”
Emily Fox’s success at Arsenal ‘is special to see’
Heaps has been the front runner for American players packing up and moving across the ocean to ply their trade in the European leagues. The Champions League winner told The Halfway Line why she believes there has been a recent influx of U.S. Women’s National Team internationals in Europe.
“I think in general, you have two very, very good leagues [in the USA]. But I think, you play a lot of time in the NWSL like I did and I wanted the different challenge. It wasn’t anything against the NWSL, you know, I wanted to come play in Champions League, and I wanted to play for a big club like this. I think I just needed a different kind of challenge.
“Maybe that’s also what these players felt. I think speaking with Naomi [Girma], speaking with Jenna [Nighswonger], speaking with Foxy, is that’s what they need. That’s what they needed at the time. And I think also the salary cap, you know that there’s a salary cap in the NWSL, and I think that’s a that’s an ongoing issue there, that hopefully can be changed or increased. I know it’s a factor and and then a boost for players coming overseas.”
The American captain will come up against her compatriots this weekend as Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger both prepare to suit up in the red and white. Heaps said the opportunity to play against her USWNT teammates “is so exciting and very special.”
“I was giving Foxy [Emily Fox] as much crap as I possibly could, and like trying to, trying to just, you know, chip at her a little bit,” joked Heaps.
“But I think for me, it’s, it’s really cool to see her thriving in that environment and in a team that. Like I said before, I love the way Arsenal play, I really respect the the team in general, and to see her go and make that big move and and play well and and be a very impactful player for the team as well. I think that that’s really special for me to see as a captain and and someone that you know, I want all of my players to be doing well, but, not this weekend, I hope!”
