Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidošić has made it clear that he is not preoccupied with the Barclays Women’s Super League standings as his side strives for a crucial fifth-place finish. As they prepare for a pivotal match at Leicester City this afternoon, the Seagulls stand in a strong position to grab that coveted fifth spot, but Vidošić’s mindset underscores a broader approach to their upcoming games.
Speaking to the media before the clash at the King Power Stadium, Vidošić commented that the battle for fifth place is not simply a two-horse race between Brighton and Liverpool. “I think it’s wider [than us and Liverpool], results can go any way every single weekend,” he said. The coach emphasized that his focus is on performance rather than the specifics of league positioning.
With six games remaining in the season, Vidošić aims for his team to maximize their potential, targeting all 18 possible points available by winning those matches. “I don’t look at fifth, sixth, first or second; all that matters at the end of the season,” he asserted. This philosophy is indicative of the mentality Vidošić wishes to cultivate amongst his players, focusing primarily on the next task at hand.
Vidošić acknowledged the importance of being vigilant against quality opponents. Leicester City, who is currently sitting just three points clear of the relegation zone, presents a significant challenge. The recent win by Crystal Palace against Aston Villa has added an extra layer of motivation for Leicester, as they aim to secure their standing and avoid dropping into the relegation zone.
“They’re a good side, they can be very dangerous,” Vidošić noted while reflecting on previous encounters with Leicester. His team faced the Foxes earlier in the League Cup, where Brighton struggled, needing penalties to overcome a well-fought fixture. The coach remarked, “It was a good thing that we had that game because we took a lot of learnings from it.” Their earlier experience serves as preparation for the match at hand.
As the Brighton squad gears up for what Vidošić describes as another “battle,” the head coach is keen on ensuring that his players do not underestimate the competition, nor assume that their strategy revolves purely around rivalries. “We don’t want to just think that we are in a battle with Liverpool only; that disrespects everything and there are good teams around us,” he explained.
With Vidošić’s directives firmly rooted in daily training and match readiness, the Seagulls are looking to stay focused on their upcoming fixture against Leicester City. Vidošić concluded with a clear ambition: “If we focus on those things, we give ourselves a great opportunity to have a good performance and come away with a good result.”
Brighton & Hove Albion is set to face Leicester City today, March 23, 2025, with a kick-off at 3pm. The outcome of this match stands as a new chapter in their pursuit of securing a top-five finish in the league, making every moment on the pitch crucial as the season draws to a close.
