In her first season at the helm of Crystal Palace, manager Laura Kaminski is no stranger to the challenges of England’s top tier of women’s football, having previously served as an assistant coach at Tottenham. However, leading Palace, fresh from their Championship title last season, has presented its own unique hurdles.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the WSL table with just one win in 12 matches, Kaminski acknowledges the difficulties of adjusting to the top flight but remains resolute in her commitment to the club’s long-term success.
“There were no surprises for me,” Kaminski told BBC Sport. “I set the bar so there was no panic, and I knew what was coming. I researched everything I could, and I knew staying up would be more difficult than getting promoted.”
She added, “If we manage to stay up this season, I think it would be one of the best achievements in the game.”
Despite the disparity between the WSL’s elite teams and those in the lower ranks, Kaminski has embraced the challenge head-on.
“It’s more pressured at this level,” Kaminski explained. “The complexity of the problem is greater. It’s about making sure I am working at the right level. If there aren’t difficult days or improvements, then we’re not pushing ourselves enough.”
Kaminski, now 37, sees this season’s struggles as part of a larger progression. “It’s gruelling at the moment, but there are signs of growth. I don’t predict which games we can take points from because that would mean writing off our team.”
A Journey From Grassroots to the Elite
Kaminski’s rise through the ranks of women’s football has been a journey from “after-school clubs and Sunday mornings” to coaching in the WSL. She draws inspiration from her time under Karen Hills and Juan Carlos Amoros at Spurs and believes in the core principles of grassroots football.
For Kaminski, the fundamentals of the game remain unchanged regardless of the level at which she coaches. “There must be a hunger to put your body on the line, to make big saves, to show pace, aggression, and intensity,” she said. “I love when players step up individually and score brilliant goals.”
She continued, “I’ve always believed I was capable, but I didn’t rush. I took my time, and being patient has been key in getting where I am today.”
While the demands of WSL management are intense, Kaminski also ensures she fosters a positive environment. “I enjoy humour, but it doesn’t affect my standards. It strengthens bonds with my players. I want them to feel valued and enjoy their time here.”
She added, “I want players and staff to come in every day and know they are valued. Creating great memories at this club is important. Those relationships are what keep us fighting week in, week out.”
Building a Sustainable Future at Palace
Although Kaminski remains focused on the present and guiding Palace through their debut WSL season, she has an eye on the club’s future. With the club already investing heavily in a girls’ football academy, Kaminski hopes to see this investment bear fruit in the coming years.
“Our vision is to stay up and build a sustainable club capable of competing at the top level of women’s football,” Kaminski said. “In three years, if I see an academy graduate making their debut, I’ll consider that a huge success.”
While her immediate focus is on securing WSL survival, Kaminski’s long-term ambition for Palace is clear. “Every manager wants to win trophies,” she added. “I’d love to see Palace rise up the table in the future.”
Kaminski also expressed gratitude for the support the club has shown her personal development and is committed to giving back. “The club deserves someone who fully commits to it,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to improve, and I hope that will help the club grow.”
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