Chris Roberts says there is no timeframe for Dario Vidosic’s return to Brighton | OneFootball

Brighton manager Dario Vidosic has taken a leave of absence (Tom Phillips/SPP)

Chris Roberts says there is “no timeframe” for the return of Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic, after he took a leave of absence for private family reasons.

Roberts is filling in for Vidosic and believes Brighton’s upcoming trip to Everton is shaping up to be a demanding and exciting contest, while also providing an update on the current absence of head coach Vidosic. 

Chris Roberts addresses Dario Vidosic absence

Roberts provided an update on Brighton head Vidosic, making it clear that there is no set timeline for his return.

He said: “There’s no timeframe set at the moment. It’s about respecting his privacy but also offering a lot of support and care for Dario and his family.

“Whenever he returns, we look forward to that but we are also prepared and ready to make sure the team are in the best possible place for each game.

“We will continue for the foreseeable future as we are. We are in a good place and when Dario does return, we will be happy for that as well.”

With preparations continuing as normal, Roberts stressed that the focus remains on the task ahead at Goodison Park. Brighton know they face a well-organised and talented Everton side but will travel north confident in their own approach and united in support of their absent head coach.

A personal return to Goodison Park

Roberts admitted there is an added sense of anticipation for him as Brighton prepare to face Everton away from home. Having spent several seasons at the club, the visit carries both professional and personal significance.

“I had five or six seasons there and my family are still up there, so I’m looking forward to taking the team up to play them,” Roberts said when speaking in the pre-match press conference.

He also highlighted the stature of the venue and the nature of recent meetings between the two sides.

“It’s a historic venue [at Goodison Park] and games against Everton have always been exciting, we’ve enjoyed them but they’re always a challenge. They’re a strong team with some really technical players, so it’s set up to be a real top tie.”

Roberts was mindful of the challenge Everton pose at home, particularly as they continue to settle into a new environment.

“It can be [tough]. When we are trying to grow the game, teams will have games at their usual stadium and then a few games at the men’s stadium. While that’s exciting and the right thing to do, it’s also not your own pitch, so it takes time with one-off games or in Everton’s case, it’s now their real home.

“They’re always a top team; they’re tactically well-organised and have good players, so we expect a tough game.”

Everton will be without Kelly Gago who has handed in a transfer request.