Arabic version: كيربي تشعر بالتوتر بسبب تغيير مدرب برايتون

According to BBC News, former England striker Fran Kirby said she felt “stressed” and “disappointed” after Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic left on 28 August, nine days before the club’s Women’s Super League opener against Arsenal. Arturo Ruiz, previously Real Sociedad manager, was appointed on the same day.

Kirby said she had built a strong relationship with Vidosic, who guided Brighton to the club’s first FA Cup final and club-record fifth and seventh-place WSL finishes. “It wasn’t easy when I heard,” she told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. “I had a really good relationship with Dario and think he’s a fantastic coach that can go on and achieve amazing things with top clubs.”

Brighton had not held a coaching session with Ruiz before facing Arsenal, Kirby said. The team lost that match and went winless in its first four league games under the new manager. Ruiz secured his first English top-flight victory before the international break as Brighton beat promoted Charlton 5-1.

Brighton now travel to champions Manchester City on Sunday, 18 October at 14:30 BST. City have won all five WSL matches this season and are on a club-record run of 15 straight home victories. Kirby said Brighton are under no illusions about the challenge, but added that the squad has quality capable of harming opponents.

Ruiz said the beginning had been difficult without time to build “identity and clarity”, though he was happy with the team’s performances and work. Kirby said Brighton still want to play, but are now seeking to hurt opponents more quickly rather than overplaying.