Leah Williamson on receiving criticism and how she is in a much better space of mind after certain incidents.
Leah Williamson says she is “in a good place” after social media criticism that has been “a bit heavy” at times
The 27-year-old was criticised for his poor play at the beginning of the season and only made a full recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January.
In a season where manager Jonas Eidevall departed after four games, the Gunners are now seven points behind Manchester City, the leaders of the Women’s Super League.
During England’s October friendlies against South Africa and Germany, Williamson made a mistake that resulted in a goal in both games and scored a spectacular goal in the latter.
“I feel like for the first time I am in a place where I feel like a real footballer again. I can train every day, I can train at the weekend,” she said.
“I’ve not had the best luck in the world and that’s OK, that’s life. It’s the first time I’m in a good place. I love football, I love going to training, I love playing.
“If I listened to what everyone said, I wouldn’t enjoy it.”
“I listen to the people that matter in terms of my managers, my teammates and I have a select few people that I know I can turn to for honesty.
“You have to have criticism. I need feedback and I need the conversation to be progressive. It needs to be from people that know and people that I trust and understand the path I am trying to go on.
“Opinions are opinions and it is totally fine that they are out there, but it is not something I can engage with.”