Ruiz promises Albion will be 'fearless' against leaders City

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Head coach promises positive approach at the Joie Stadium on Sunday.

Bruce Talbot

2026-10-18T06:00+01:00

Head coach Arturo Ruiz is promising a positive approach by Albion on Sunday. 📷James Boardman

Arturo Ruiz is urging his side to be fearless as they prepare for their toughest test of the season so far against Women's Super League leaders Manchester City on Sunday.

Since the conclusion of the international break, the squad has spent the last few days shifting their focus to a demanding nine-game schedule between now and the next break at the end of November.

"It was a really good break for us," Ruiz explained upon the squad's return to training. "The international players are very good, and we are very proud of them.”

The pause in domestic action provided a valuable window for the team to deepen their tactical understanding without the pressure of consecutive matchdays. Reflecting on the time spent with the remaining players, Ruiz added, "I'm really happy with the work, conversations, synergies, and psychological processes that happened in these last two weeks. I think they are going to be very important for us."

There is no denying the scale of the challenge that awaits the team on Sunday. City currently set the pace at the summit of the WSL, boasting a line-up that poses threats from every area of the pitch.

Ruiz admits that it represents their biggest hurdle of the campaign to date, but he remains steadfast in his approach.

"The priority right now, even in this first few weeks for us, is putting in solid performances and competing against absolutely anybody," Ruiz added. "We are looking for the three points against every rival we face."

The game plan has been thoroughly prepared, and the overarching message from the head coach is one of courage. He expects his players to impose Albion’s evolving identity on the game rather than merely absorbing pressure.

"We're going to be very brave with and without the ball," he emphasised. "We have clear ideas and we will absolutely play a very competitive and a very good game there. Hopefully, we can score one or several goals."

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For those players not on international duty, it was business as usual at the training ground on Wednesday morning. Work continued in preparation for the trip to the North West, where Arturo Ruiz and the squad will face league leaders Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Club photographer Paul Hazlewood was at the training ground to capture some images from the session.

Confidence within the camp has been significantly bolstered by their recent exploits in the final third, particularly the impressive spread of goalscorers in the 5-1 win over Charlton last time out.

Ruiz highlighted how encouraging it is to see the attacking burden shared so effectively across the pitch.

"My squad is big enough and with enough quality for a lot of players [to score], and that is very, very important for us."