Ruiz relishing battle of Spanish coaches

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Albion head coach Arturo Ruiz comes up against compatriot Eder Maestre at London City Lionesses on Saturday.

2026-09-26T08:00+01:00

Arturo Ruiz takes Albion to London City Lionesses on Saturday. 📸 by Kyle Hemsley

Head coach Arturo Ruiz is anticipating a fierce tactical battle when Albion travel to the capital to face London City Lionesses in the WSL on Saturday (5pm ko).

The Spaniard is fully aware of the heavy investment and quality within the opposition's ranks, acknowledging the strong start they have made to their campaign which included a 2-1 win over Manchester United in their first game at the Copperjax Stadium in Bromley.

"We all know that London City have invested a lot, and they have great players, and they have started very well with a good coach, Eder Maestre," Ruiz said, noting the extra interest in facing a fellow Spanish manager on the touchline.

However, he views every game as a massive test and insists his team is fully prepared for the specific requirements.

With both sides having played midweek fixtures, he expects energy levels to be equal and is focused on securing three points by imposing Albion's identity.

Since arriving in England, Ruiz has been impressed by the overall standard of the domestic game, confirming that his observations from afar were completely accurate.

He highlighted the immense physical and technical strength of the league, noting that the unpredictable nature of the matches makes the competition exciting to be a part of.

For Ruiz, the in-game tactical adjustments, such as reading the flow of the match and timing crucial substitutions, are critical components of succeeding at this elite level.

He also praised the outstanding professionalism surrounding the sport in this country, calling it a “true pleasure” to experience such a vibrant footballing culture.

Away from the pitch, Ruiz took time to reflect on his seamless transition to life on the south coast, attributing his happiness entirely to his close-knit support network.

He said that his family and friends are the main reason he is able to thrive in his new role, having supported him throughout his coaching career so far. "Everything is a smile into my life," he said.

In terms of team news, Moeka Minami and Madison Haley both miss out on Saturday with injury.