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Wellington Phoenix midfielder Emma Pijnenburg has credited her coach Bev Priestman for helping the New Zealand-based side make the A-League Women grand final.
The Nix trailed the Brisbane Roar 2-1 on aggregate as they headed into the second leg at Porirua Park last Saturday.
Two goals from American Makala Woodshelped lift the Wellington-based side into the season’s showpiece fixture, becoming the first from New Zealand in the men’s and women’s game to do so.
Football Fern Emma Pijnenburg, who joined the team from Dutch club Feyenoord in December, has praised Phoenix coach Bev Priestman for motivating the team to come from behind and win their semi-final.
“I think Bev said after the first Brisbane game, it’s only halftime,” Pijnenburg said.
“That was a big thing that we were talking about and they were celebrating, Brisbane was celebrating so much after that first game, so that really brought up the fire in us that we’re going to get them on the home game.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has been praised by midfielder Emma Pijnenburg for helping the Wellington-based side reach the A-League Women grand final. Photo / Photosport
The midfielder said her coach knows what needs to be done in the big-game situations.
“I’ve been very impressed with her, honestly, always the pre-game speech just gets us so hyped before the game,” Pijnenburg said.
“She always knows exactly what to say, it’s been really good.
Emma Pijnenburg signed for the Phoenix in December. Photo / Photosport
“Yeah, you can tell that she knows what to get out of the players, what emotions to try and bring up within the team before the game or reviewing a game as well.
“So she obviously has the experience and we can trust in her, she knows what to do.”
Preparation for the final appears to be business as usual for the Nix and Pijnenburg said she’s confident heading into this Saturday’s match.
Bev Priestman celebrates with her team after they beat the Brisbane Roar to make the A-League Women grand final. Photo / Photosport
“I think nobody doubts us and what we can do this weekend.
“Finals football is always different than the league as well, it’s anybody’s game and it’s more about the moments than the whole game.
“We believe in ourselves, so it’ll be good.”
The Phoenix will play Melbourne City at AAMI Park on May 16, after the Australian side beat their rivals the Melbourne Victory 2-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
