Kirby 'stressed' by abrupt Vidosic exit from Brighton

What the report says

Fran Kirby has said Brighton’s abrupt change of head coach before the Women’s Super League season began left her feeling stressed and disappointed. Speaking on BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, the former England forward said she had a strong relationship with Dario Vidosic and was unsettled by his exit so close to the opening match against Arsenal.

BBC Sport reports that Vidosic left Brighton on 28 August, nine days before the club’s league opener, after guiding the team to their first FA Cup final and to record league finishes of fifth and seventh in successive seasons. He was replaced the same day by Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz, leaving Brighton little time to work under the new coach before the campaign started.

Kirby said the late timing made the transition difficult, especially with Arsenal immediately ahead and no chance for much preparation. Brighton lost that first game and struggled in their early league matches under Ruiz, though they later beat promoted Charlton 5-1 for their first WSL win of the season. Kirby said the team are still adjusting to a different style and trying to be more direct in attack.

The wider context, as BBC Sport notes, is that Brighton remain in a period of change while Ruiz tries to impose his methods. Their next major test is a trip to Manchester City, a team Kirby described as particularly strong.