Canada’s Vanessa Gilles ready to hunt for soccer trophies with new club Bayern Munich
Vanessa Gilles had a successful soccer season playing for Lyon, a French league powerhouse. She helped her team win the Women’s Champions League title and finish the season unbeaten in 24 league and playoff matches. Despite the success, Gilles faced pressure and high expectations that made it challenging for her to enjoy the game.
In an interview with CBC Sports, Gilles admitted that living up to the expectation of excellence was difficult. She emphasized the importance of finding joy in playing the game, even amidst the pressure to perform at a high level. As she prepares to join FC Bayern Women in Germany next season, Gilles acknowledged that the transition will come with its own set of challenges.
Gilles expressed gratitude for her time at Lyon but explained that Bayern Munich made her feel appreciated during negotiations, which influenced her decision to join the team. She highlighted the team’s collective mentality, coaching staff, and the opportunity to strive for improvement and win trophies as key factors in her decision.
The Canadian defender also emphasized the importance of playing under head coach Jose Barcala, whom she had previously worked with at Girondins Bordeaux. Gilles praised Barcala’s coaching style and expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn and grow under his guidance at Bayern Munich.
While Gilles looks forward to her future with Bayern Munich, she remains focused on supporting her teammate Desiree Scott in her final appearance for the Canadian national women’s team. Scott, known as “The Destroyer” for her defensive prowess, will be playing her 188th cap for Canada. Gilles commended Scott for her leadership and ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated on the field.
As Gilles prepares for the next chapter in her career, she is grateful for the opportunities she has had and looks forward to embracing new challenges and experiences with FC Bayern Women. With a strong focus on teamwork, growth, and success, Gilles is determined to continue making an impact on the pitch and striving for excellence in her career.
