--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-08T22:35:35.046Z last_updated: 2026-09-07T12:00:45+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/brighton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlYXJndXMuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvMjY1MjgwOTQuYXJ0dXJvLXJ1aXotdGFrZXMtYWxiaW9uLWJpcm1pbmdoYW0tZmlyc3QtYXdheS1nYW1lLz9yZWY9cnNz --- # How Albion’s newest head coach fared on first-day test - **Source:** - **Published:** 7 Sept - **Club:** Brighton - **Original URL:** https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/26528094.arturo-ruiz-takes-albion-birmingham-first-away-game/?ref=rss The former Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad coach is making a positive early impression since coming in at short notice to succeed Dario Vidosic in charge of the Seagulls’ WSL side. After a rather ominous start to his first fixture in charge, just nine days after being confirmed in the post, his side looked intense and organised against star-studded Arsenal. They lost 1-0, to an early goal, and might have conceded one or two more. But they were also pressing for an equaliser at times in the second half. The goal which sank them was down to individual brilliance (and maybe an individual lapse). In collective terms, they were as organised and compact as their vaunted visitors. They had a plan to get in behind Arsenal left-back Ona Batlle, a player Ruiz knows well, and Kiko Seike should have made more of such situations. Albion moved quickly to bring Ruiz in when it became clear Vidosic was heading to the USA. It is understood the change did not have to happen so soon. Vidosic’s new role does not kick in until December. But they have started the season with a new man in charge rather than making a mid-season switch. This could be the tough part which gets its pay-off as the campaign progresses. Ruiz joined very near the end of the transfer window and there were no late additions to the squad. Lia Walti was a prominent signing early in the window and she was the only summer addition in the XI which kicked off against the Gunners. Three more followed off the bench in the final quarter of the contest. Fran Kirby battles with Arsenal's Kim Little (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire) “So many things,” Ruiz told The Argus when asked what he liked about his team’s efforts. “With the ball, without the ball, transition, set-pieces we were really good. “The psychological part was really important because we were very competitive. We were very convinced about what we coached and what we did today, and that's the most important thing. “Now the players are sad or disappointed because we didn't get points, and I am as well. “But we made enough to get a point and we just go through it and let's go to the next one because the performance was really good.” At 29, Ruiz is an even younger appointment than Fabian Hurzeler was two years ago. Albion believe they have come up with a similarly clever, far-sighted appointment who will take things on from Vidosic. That is a tall order in an increasingly competitive league and coming off back-to-back club bests in the WSL (fifth place) and WFA Cup (reaching the final). Ruiz had two friendly matches the day after his appointment, then four training sessions. He has spoken about the help of experienced players, who will have seen these situations before. Fran Kirby, Marisa Olislagers, Manuela Vanegas and Walti are all such figures. Albion played good football under Vidosic but too often the final ball or cross into the danger area were lacking in precision. All of that was again in evidence in Ruiz’s debut. One feels the team as a collective and Seike in particular are one step away from being so much more productive where it matters most. If Ruiz can unlock that, the sky could be the limit. He thanked reporters for their interest and fans for their backing as he sat down for a post-match press conference. He added: “Thanks to the players to make it easy, this first day for me. “The standard right now on the performance is high, so let's go higher from this point and we will grow from here for the future.” Brighton lose to Arsenal but earn applause in WSL opener under Arturo Ruiz Brighton defender Jess Pegram moves on loan to Swedish side Match Of The Day expert tells what was ‘worrying’ for Albion Verbruggen says Albion must find an answer after another slow start That future will also have echoes of the past as they now visit a Birmingham City side under the guidance of former Albion coach Amy Merricks. As well assisting Hope Powell, Merricks had two stints in interim command of Albion. Powell is now head of football at Blues and their line-up in the opening game at Manchester City included ex-Albion trio Sophie Baggaley, Guem Lee-min and Veatriki Sarri. This will be their home return to the top flight having won promotion last season and they will hope for a return to the good times when they were among the best teams in the land. Thirteen years ago, Albion’s previous Spanish head coach – Oscar Garcia, in charge of the men’s team – got his first win for the club with a 1-0 success at St Andrew’s. A repeat of that would be ideal for Ruiz but his early signs have been promising.