Kirby says Vidosic exit left her stressed as Brighton adapt to Ruiz
Fran Kirby says Dario Vidosic's abrupt Brighton departure left her stressed and disappointed, as the Seagulls prepare to face Manchester City under new head coach Arturo Ruiz.
Fran Kirby has said Brighton's late managerial change left her feeling "stressed" and "disappointed", with Dario Vidosic departing on 28 August, nine days before the season opener against Arsenal. Vidosic had led Brighton to their first FA Cup final and club-record WSL finishes of fifth and seventh; Arturo Ruiz, previously of Real Sociedad, was appointed the same day.
Kirby told the Women's Football Weekly podcast that she had a strong relationship with Vidosic and rates him highly, but the timing was difficult because Brighton faced Arsenal without having had a coaching session under the new manager. Brighton lost that opener — Arsenal's only WSL win so far this season — and went winless through Ruiz's first four league matches.
A 5-1 win over promoted Charlton before the international break gave Ruiz his first top-flight victory. Brighton next travel to champions Manchester City, who have won all five WSL games this season, in the teams' first meeting since City's 4-0 FA Cup final win in May. Under Vidosic, Brighton were possession-heavy and physical; pundit Annabel Bassett of The Brighton Base says Ruiz emphasizes nullifying opponents, winning the ball high and attacking through the flanks, and that the club says things are working behind the scenes.
Kirby, a seven-time WSL winner with Chelsea, described the start as tough and said adapting to a new style so close to the season is hard. She said Ruiz wants Brighton to harm opponents more quickly rather than overplay, and admitted the squad is trying not to dwell on the City fixture. Ruiz told BBC Sport he is happy with performances and hopes for more solidity and consistency from Sunday.
Brighton's challenge is sharpened by City's club-record run of 15 consecutive home wins. Kirby acknowledged City's depth of quality but said Brighton have players who can hurt teams and hopes for a good performance.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
