WSL: Aston Villa defeat ‘a reality check’, says under-pressure Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor

Under-pressure Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor says his side have had a “real reality check” as their winless start to the Women’s Super League season continued with a damaging 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

The Reds have failed to win any of their 10 WSL games, picking up just four points.

Thursday’s loss at Villa Park, in which Liverpool failed to have a shot on target, leaves them two points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Asked about how much pressure he was under, Taylor told Sky Sports: “I don’t know. I think there is a real reality check here.

“I think this team needs help. I need help.”

Former Manchester City manager Taylor took over in August, replacing interim boss Amber Whiteley who had guided the team to a seventh-place finish in the WSL last season.

However, Taylor has won just three matches in his five months in charge, all against WSL 2-level opposition in the Women’s League Cup.

“I think there’s no doubt that we have regressed as a team for sure, more than is expected of a club like Liverpool,” Taylor added.

“We have given it everything. We are trying to coach the players. The players are really honest.

“The reality is we are aware of it and I think sometimes you can be really exposed – and that’s what has happened tonight.”

In Taylor’s defence, his early tenure on Merseyside has been disrupted by injuries to key players.

Playmaker Marie Hobinger and striker Sophie Roman Haug both suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while experienced players such as Ceri Holland and Gemma Bonner have also had spells on the sidelines.