‘We’re relishing the challenge’ – Brighton excited for Manchester City test says Vidošić | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidošić says that his side are relishing this weekend’s trip to Manchester City.

The Seagulls started the 2024/2025 Barclays Women’s Super League season with an impressive 4-0 home victory against Everton last weekend. Brighton & Hove Albion now travel to Manchester to take on last season’s runners-up.

Reflecting on the opening day victory over Everton in the pre-match press conference, Vidošić expressed his delight with Albion’s win whilst praising the team’s execution of their game plan.

“I think it was an enjoyable day,” Vidošić said. “I think matchday always is [enjoyable] because it’s that uncertainty and also, all the practice that we’ve put in, especially leading into round one, all the hard work from the pre-season being seen with the girls and be able to execute and play for large parts very, very well.

“There’s still lots of parts that we need to move on which is normal but with the strides that we’ve taken in such a short amount of time, that was really pleasing. We’ve said to the players enjoy it but then once we go back to training, we’re back into it. They’ve been tremendous this week and I’m sure they’re really looking forward to this weekend.

“It’s a good spot to start from and we’ve got another fantastic test this weekend against Manchester City.”

Going on to discuss this weekend’s opponents, the Albion boss acknowledged Manchester City’s qualities whilst commenting that his side are relishing the test.

He said “It’s going to be two teams that want the ball, so we won’t look to really take a backward step. We want to go there on the front-foot, try to play our way, try to dominate the game.

“We know there’s going to be times when we will have to defend, that’s just normal because there are very good teams in this league. Manchester City are definitely one of the best, not just in England but in the world, so we have to be prepared. We have to roll our sleeves up, we know it’s going to be tough sometimes but we want to also make it tough for them, make it uncomfortable where they might have to defend as well.

“They have a good team, they’ve got good players, they’ve got a fantastic coach as well but again, it’s a normal week. I respect every team, every opponent, every coach that we’re against the exact same. We know what they’ve achieved in the past but I don’t treat anyone with more or less [respect]. In terms of preparation, it’s been the exact same, we’ve analysed everything, we worked hard on the training pitch and it’ll just come down to execution on Sunday.

“We’re relishing the challenge. Not just myself, but all of them are really looking forward to the referee blowing the whistle and getting us started.”

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Manchester City kicks-off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.