Matt Beard: Liverpool aim for highest finish in the WSL since 2014 as they prepare to take on Man City, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool are on course for their highest WSL finish since 2014 under Matt Beard. It comes with a mix of managerial experience, talented recruitment and a unique synergy between club and coach.

Only Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has managed more matches in the league than Beard. A serial winner who is keeping the Blues on track for another multi-trophy campaign, Beard's career has been more varied and with his own impressive achievements.

Reflecting on his managerial career thus far, Beard said: "Over the time, you have highs and lows. I've been to cup finals, I've won and lost some. Some managers and players go through their whole career and not win anything so I've been quite fortunate."

Later, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports' Lynsey Hooper, Beard said: "It's my job first and foremost and I'm lucky to do what I do, but I never try to make it about myself. I have a good team of staff around me and I've worked with numerous players over the years.

His first WSL coaching job preceded Hayes at Chelsea before moving to Liverpool for his first spell in 2012. The Reds were then one of the dominant forces in the women's game, winning league titles in 2013 and 2014.

It was his second title at Liverpool that remains one of his proudest career moments.

Reminiscing on a dramatic final day, Beard told Hooper: "We had Bristol City, Chelsea had Manchester City and Birmingham had Notts County, and we weren't expecting to win the league that day.

"I remember seeing Manchester City's teamsheet. They had the cup final in midweek and Nick [Cushing] had put out a weakened team, so I wasn't very happy at that point, but it just goes to show what pressure does to you. Chelsea, unfortunately, never turned up that day, which was good for us.

"I