Implementing a new style takes time, particularly when players are being asked to use space and accept risk in ways they are not accustomed to.
A common problem for coaches with an ambitious game model is becoming too attached to the final version of it and ignoring what the current squad needs.
Olid does not appear to be falling into that trap.
“The focus [against Arsenal] was the defensive shape,” she said. “It’s trying to get them more confidence.”
Attacking football in this more fluid manner may be the final goal but Olid appears willing to build towards it in steps.
Early on in her managerial role at Hearts, she showed similar flexibility, which won her points, the trust of her players, and a platform from which to create exciting football.
“The [attack] will come,” Olid has said. “But we need to keep this [defensive structure], then from there, little by little, be an attacking team, create chances, score more goals.”
And the League Cup victory did give some indication it has, although Sheffield United are bottom of WSL 2 in the early weeks of the season.
What will be key is to see how they build on that momentum for this weekend’s WSL match against West Ham on Sunday.
