The Manchester derby is coming up next weekend and City defender Gracie Prior is buzzing to return to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City women rarely get chances to play at the Etihad Stadium but the Manchester derby is always played there.
The clash of the titans is still a week away from kicking off, but City defender Gracie Prior is already looking forward to returning to the Etihad.
“Growing up, it’s always been a massive rivalry so to play in it is massive.” Prior said. “You can tell it’s just a different feeling, everyone just wants [to win]. You want to win every game but the derby is just a different feeling.”
“Playing at the Etihad is always special. Especially being a City fan as a kid, going there and playing on the pitch just feels crazy.”
Prior joined City at the start of last season, with the 20-year-old signing her first professional contract with the club.
We are delighted to announce that Gracie Prior has signed her first professional contract with the Club! ✍️🩵
Find out more 👉 https://t.co/GtbAlTYmow pic.twitter.com/RqXKWeoyaI
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) August 14, 2024
City will only play two games at the Etihad this season with matches against Chelsea and United hosted there.
The Cityzens are still well behind the likes of Arsenal, who host every WSL home game at the Emirates Stadium.
“[My first game there] it was Chelsea at home and it was a crazy experience. It was my first time playing on it and to start was really good.” Prior continued.
“The fans are massive, we hear them every time. Just being there cheering us on, it gives everyone an extra motivation.”
The Etihad will be packed out on November 15th, as two of top four go head to head in what should be a thrilling derby.
Gracie Prior: Andree Jeglertz gives us freedom
City’s young defender also spoke about Andree Jeglertz, who took over as manager at the start of this season.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, I think he’s come in and told us everything he wants,” she said.
“He just gives us a lot of freedom which everyone enjoys playing and I think his style of play is different, but it’s really enjoyable.
“He definitely believes in every one of us and you can tell how confident he is in his team talks. It just helps push the team.”
City certainly look like they’re playing with freedom at the moment and they are flying in the league this season.
Jeglertz’ team has only lost to Chelsea so far this year and having won every other game they are only one point behind the six-time reigning champions.
Next Sunday’s derby will be a huge test for City, who could make the WSL a two-horse race before Christmas.
