Alisha Lehmann is targeting goals and a winning start as Leicester City Women prepare for their first Women's Super League 2 fixture this weekend. The 27-year-old forward, who joined the Foxes in January, told Vavel the squad is energized for the challenge ahead following relegation from the top flight last season.
Leicester begin their second-tier campaign away to Sheffield United on Sunday, 6th September. The match kicks off a new chapter for the club, which has undergone significant changes over the summer. "Yeah, I think a lot of things have changed in the club, and has changed in the staff and players," Lehmann said. "We started like really strong."
What has changed at Leicester City Women?
A major squad overhaul has taken place at Belvoir Drive. Lehmann highlighted the influx of new signings, describing them as young, hungry, and full of energy. This injection of fresh talent has also motivated the more established members of the group. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Lehmann sees her role as key in guiding the younger arrivals. She believes the blend of new enthusiasm and existing know-how creates a positive dynamic for the season ahead.
The club's full squad list reflects this summer of transition. Lehmann herself is a key part of the new core, having chosen Leicester over other options when she left Aston Villa. She had known the club's sports director for some time and had been impressed by the facilities years earlier, making the move feel right when the opportunity arose in the winter window.
How does Alisha Lehmann view her role?
With experience on her side, Lehmann aims to be a leader on and off the pitch. She hopes to pass on her knowledge to teammates while also delivering performances that excite the fans. "I mean, I hope they see that I'm full like of energy, that I want to score, that I want to give everything for Leicester," she stated. Her primary focus is contributing goals and a relentless work ethic to help the team secure immediate results.
Lehmann's return to England was a driving factor in her decision. Having spent a long part of her life and career in the country, she feels at home. Now settled at Leicester, her attention is firmly on the present and the task of winning games week by week, starting with the opening fixture. You can follow the team's progress throughout the season in the standings.
What is the target for the first game?
The immediate objective is simple: victory. Lehmann emphasized the importance of building confidence from the outset, and that begins with three points on Sunday. The team is not looking too far down the line but is concentrated on winning the match in front of them. A strong start away at Sheffield United would set a positive tone for the WSL 2 campaign.
Focusing on the next game is a mantra for the Swiss international. She believes winning matches in the moment is essential for building momentum. This pragmatic approach will be tested across a demanding season schedule, which fans can track via the club's fixtures page. The team's preparation has been geared towards being ready from the first whistle.
Leicester City Women's season begins away to Sheffield United on Sunday, 6th September.
