Ruiz calls for better in-game management

Head coach expects a positive response to Sunday's defeat when his team take on Watford tonight in the Subway Players Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2026-11-11T05:30+00:00

Arturo Ruiz is targeting a third win in the Players Cup on Wednesday. 📷Kyle Hemsley.

Arturo Ruiz has called for greater in-game maturity as his side prepares to face Watford in the Subway Players Cup tonight as they look to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Following a frustrating second-half display against Spurs, when Albion lost 2-1 having led at the break, Ruiz and his squad have held honest discussions about being more reactive.

"Our second half the other day wasn't the best. We have gone through it, we have had some healthy conversations between all of us, and we've learnt a lot," Ruiz explained. "When a team goes through a difficult moment, the background is very important. We didn't have everything super clear on how to react to that situation."

To prevent a repeat, the Albion boss wants his players to dictate the tempo when under pressure rather than letting the initiative slip away.

"We need to be mature enough to break the rhythm, switch the game, and go to the free space to breathe," he said. "If we need to go long and have a couple of minutes in the opposition half, we have to do it. Above everything, we must compete very hard after conceding the first goal."

Tactical flexibility will also be key against WSL 2 side Watford. Ruiz has recently deployed Olaug Tvedten and Sunday’s goalscorer Fran Kirby as false No9s to great effect and continues to embrace the challenge of managing an evolving squad.

"At the minute, I think for some games they have to be in the starting XI as a false striker. They have the ability to fix the centre-backs and occupy the free spaces, doing support while other players run in behind," he added.

"We need to make them more involved because when they have the ball at their feet, it's better for our team. We are in a moment of the season where I'm playing different options according to the game plan. When we have injuries, we need to find solutions, but I'm enjoying it."

Looking ahead to tonight, Ruiz confirmed a thorough preparation for Watford, viewing the fixture as a critical step toward making it into the competition's knockout rounds.

"Finishing in the top four will be really, really good. Tonight is a big opportunity," Ruiz said. "Next week we are going to London City and then we play Southampton. Those are the three games we want to win. If we get the nine points we have left, we are very optimistic, and it's absolutely our objective. We give the same respect to all rivals, and will we have a proper game plan."

On the squad front, Ruiz confirmed Nadia Krezyman is steadily building her match fitness but will be managed carefully.

"Tomorrow she can only play 30 minutes, so she's not going to be in the starting XI, but from minute 60 she will be available," he said.