‘We have a big focus on ourselves’ – Slegers previews Arsenal’s clash with Brighton

Arsenal interim head coach Renée Slegers says her side’s focus is on themselves as they prepare to face a much-improved Brighton & Hove Albion side.

The Gunners host The Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

Brighton & Hove Albion are almost unrecognizable to the team Arsenal have beaten so often in the past. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, interim boss Slegers said she is well aware of the Sussex club’s threats but the big focus is on Arsenal.

“We have a lot of focus on ourselves and belief in ourselves,” Slegers said. “We know we have areas to work on, but we see ourselves as a top team.

“Obviously Brighton have done really well and recruited top players so we respect them as an opponent but we try to see what we can bring to the game. Every team will have strengths and weaknesses and so will Brighton.”

Continuing to discuss Brighton & Hove Albion’s qualities, Slegers highlighted both the individual and collective characteristics of the team that cause problems for opponents.

She said: “They have good individual qualities in all units I would say so that is obviously something that makes them stronger. They have some set-ups in their game tactically which can be difficult for the opposition to solve. For example the way they set up their build and invest a lot of numbers – those are things the opposition have to sort out.

“They’re playing a smart game, a game that they believe in. I would say it’s a high-risk, high-reward game that they’re playing, and we hope to capitalize on that.”

After six Barclays Women’s Super League games, Arsenal are seven points adrift of the league summit. Slegers says every game is important for The Gunners regardless of the opponent.

She said: “It’s still early in the season but I think every game is important and this will be an important game for us.”

Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League game against Brighton & Hove Albion kicks off at 7pm tonight. Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased per by clicking here.