Brighton & Hove Albion assistant boss Roberts pays tribute to Vidošić ahead of London City Lionesses game | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion’s assistant head coach Chris Roberts has paid tribute to the club’s women’s and girls’ head of coaching Rado Vidošić following his recent death.

The 64-year-old recently passed away following a battle with cancer. Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidošić is currently on a period of leave supporting his family back home in Australia.

When speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against London City Lionesses, Brighton & Hove Albion’s assistant boss Roberts paid tribute Vidošić following his passing.

“It’s obviously been a really challenging and sad week for everyone in the football club and all around the world,” Roberts said. “Rado was one of the most incredible men I’ve ever met. He’s infectious, he made people smile and he had the most amazing football brain. He was great company.”

It has been a tough week for the whole club but Roberts says that the support network has been excellent.

He said “It’s something that we have tried to do collectively, support each other and put things into perspective. There’s been individual support for everyone, staff and players, because it’s been a really sad time, a really challenging time. The squad have also had to train and get ready for a big game this weekend against London City. 

“This puts football into perspective and how we just need to be there for each other as a group, show that immense support on and off the pitch. I must say that the playing group and staff have been amazing this week. We’ve paid our tributes in our own way on the training ground and we will do that again on Sunday.

“It’s been a challenging week, really sad, but the girls have dealt with that and trained really well.”

Looking ahead to the challenge of London City Lionesses, Roberts says that The Pride have played in a variety of ways under new boss Eder Maestre but The Seagulls are well-prepared.

He said “I’ve been really impressed with the new head coach in terms of what he’s done since he’s arrived and the work he has done in Spain. The challenge for us is that they’ve had three very different games. In the two WSL games, they’ve played completely different against Liverpool and Manchester City.

“What we’ve seen from both games is that they’re very well-organised and there’s a clear way that they want to play; you can see the structures, you can see the rotations, the identity and principles.

“We have a good idea but we are prepared for two eventualities because it was very different. They were in a block and a bit more counter-attack against Manchester City and more front-foot with their pressure against Liverpool.

“We have a good idea of what to expect and we are well-prepared. We know it’s going to be a tough game.”

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against London City Lionesses kicks-off at 11.55am on Sunday. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.