Dario Vidosic has described Brighton’s start under his management as positive with room for improvement as they prepare to host Aston Villa on Saturday.
Following the Australian’s appointment over the summer, the Seagulls opened their Women’s Super League campaign by thrashing Everton 4-0 at home.
They were then beaten 1-0 at last season’s runners-up Manchester City, before winning 3-0 at Championship Birmingham in the League Cup on Wednesday with a much-changed side.
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) October 4, 2024
Vidosic told a press conference on Friday: “It’s been positive. I think each game the girls are able to apply what we’re putting into training, which has been really pleasing, and big compliments to them.
“We didn’t just walk away (last weekend) and say ‘it’s Manchester City’ and make excuses for ourselves. The girls got complimented on stuff we did really well but there’s also stuff we need to improve on and we need to improve on quickly.
“We did create good chances, other times we missed opportunities to create other good chances, and in the second half we lost a little bit more control from our defensive structure, which allowed them more opportunities to score.
“This weekend they (Villa) have almost an equally talented frontline where, if we allow those chances again, they can punish us as well.
“It’s going to have to be full concentration for 90 minutes, and it shapes up to be another great game with two teams that want to control the ball, play and win.”
The changes for the cup tie included Nikita Parris making her first start since her deadline day move from Manchester United.
Asked if the England forward was now ready for a WSL start, Vidosic said: “That game was a good opportunity to give her a start. Just because of the make-up of the squad, we gave her a bit of a different role, and she did really well there.
“We’ll assess them, talk to the physios, and make a judgement for tomorrow’s starting XI. She’s getting very much closer, and we know what she possesses and what she can bring.”
Another experienced Lioness – holding 71 England caps, the same amount as Parris – is Villa’s Jordan Nobbs, who will become the outright all-time leader in terms of WSL appearances by playing in Saturday’s match, moving to 193.
Villa boss Robert de Pauw said of the midfielder: “It is, like with (Villa forward) Rachel Daly (who retired from England duty with 84 caps), a privilege (to work with Nobbs). They have earned their stripes in the game.
“She is a wonderful person and still very driven. She is the first one on the pitch and the last to go off in training.
“Her performance against Spurs was crazy. The quality is just there, and it is really big enjoyment to work with her.”
Villa drew 2-2 with Tottenham last weekend, having lost 1-0 loss at Chelsea in their WSL opener, their first competitive match under De Pauw. They head into this match having beaten Crystal Palace 2-0 at home in the cup on Wednesday.
