Ruiz: Encouraging signs despite opening-day defeat

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Albion boss reflects on the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Sunday's WSL opener.

Heather Miller

2026-09-06T15:30+01:00

Arturo Ruiz gives direction from the dugout. 📷Kyle Hemsley

Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on the opening day of the WSL season, new head coach Arturo Ruiz found plenty of encouragement in Albion's performance in his first game in charge.

A single early strike from Lisa Baum made the difference at Broadfield Stadium, but Ruiz praised his team's effort and expressed optimism about the campaign ahead after only a week together.

Highlighting the key positives from the match, he said, "First of all, thank you so much to the fans that came today - the stadium was full, the atmosphere was really good, and we felt their support.

"As I said some days ago, they are going to be very important in our season. About the performance, I think that we did enough to get points. We didn't have a lot of time to prepare, but I'm happy with the performance, not with the result.

"I think we gave enough to get at least one point, but let's grow from here. I enjoyed it a lot, and my expectations were high. We are in the best league in the world, it is very competitive and I'm happy about being here.

"Our first game was good performance-wise, and now we need to get better so the points will come."

Ruiz was grateful for the warm reception he has received and outlined his long-term goals, adding, "The welcome from the city and all the staff in the club has been absolutely incredible, and I cannot be happier here.

"I am really grateful for the treatment that I've received, and I will try to give my best. I want to raise the standards of the team, help the club achieve their long-term objectives, and I will give 100% every single day.

"The fans were incredibly important. We want to make this ground and the Amex a very strong one for us.

"In the good moments they need to push, and in the moments that we are not that good they also need to support us. They are going to be very important because they are the 12th player for sure."