I live life on the edge ... it’s go big or go home!
Chelsea striker SAM KERR on the reckless streak which she hopes can deliver the FA Cup
SAM KERR is talking through the wonder goal that helped Chelsea seal a third successive Women’s Super League title. The striker had predicted to teammate Erin Cuthbert she would score a ‘worldie’ the day before, and she did not disappoint. A clearance from Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps was headed towards Kerr, who had her back to goal, 25 yards out. In one movement, she chested the ball, swivelled and sent a looping volley over the retreating Earps.
‘I don’t know why I ever thought to do that,’ Kerr laughs. ‘I think the commentating made it even better because the way she said, “It’s so Sam Kerr” — I just laughed because I thought, “That is so me!” I don’t know if any other player would try that. It’s kind of stupid but the moment was sick, and the crowd at Kingsmeadow went nuts.’
Kerr, 28, is in the best form of her career. In January, she became Australia’s all-time leading scorer and she won the WSL’s Golden Boot for a second season running with 20 goals in 20 games. It is not surprising she had the confidence to take that volley on.
‘That’s just who I am as a person,’ Kerr says. ‘I do that stuff in training all the time. Sometimes the girls get annoyed at me but it’s just who I am. I’m a risk taker. I just do what I feel, whether it’s right or wrong, and I’m very strong-willed.
‘I’m the most stubborn person in the world because if I want something, I’m doing it. There was no doubt in my mind I was hitting that ball once it came off my chest and that’s what I mean when I say I’m a risk taker, doing things that sometimes get me in trouble.
‘But I live on the edge, I either go big or go home.’
Chelsea will be looking for another big performance from Kerr in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against
Manchester City. As well as being a great finisher with her feet, Kerr is strong in the air and seven of her 20 league goals came from headers.
The Chelsea website has Kerr’s height as 5ft 6in but she begs to differ: ‘No, come on I’m 5ft 7in! I have a really high jump, believe it or not,’ she says. ‘I’m small but I’m tall in the box. I think growing up as an Australian, Tim Cahill was an absolute gun in the box and he’s not that tall either. It was something that, as a kid, I loved about him.’
Kerr’s leap is part of the reason she is able to do her trademark backflip after scoring, though it is yet to make an appearance this season. ‘I’m too old! I got too excited against United and I can’t do it when I’m too excited, I’ll break my back,’ says Kerr.
Kerr and her team face a City side who have won their last 13 games and beat Chelsea 3-1 in the League Cup final in March.
‘You need to lose,’ Kerr says. ‘You need a little bit of a kick up the butt. It was just a reminder that there’s always someone chasing and right at your tail, it does add a little bit of motivation for the weekend. They’re a great team, we’ve had lots of battles with them.
‘Whenever there’s a trophy there’s always that extra bit of fire.’ • CHELSEA boss Emma Hayes was impressed with incoming owner Todd Boehly, after the pair had lunch ahead of the FA Cup final. ‘I had a really lovely couple of hours with him. He’s just a normal down to earth guy who is really passionate about Chelsea. He’s ambitious, as we are. He’s the perfect fit.’