“No point in looking at the ladder,” says Vidošić before derby against Palace

Brighton boss Dario Vidošić told reporters his side must not get complacent before Sunday’s clash with bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace, as they look to close the gap on the top four.

The Seagulls are currently fifth, seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and eight behind Manchester City – but with those two playing each other this weekend, there is an opportunity for Vidošić’s side to gain ground.

Laura Kaminski’s Palace are bottom of the table with only one win in 12 games.

What did Dario Vidošić say?

Vidošić spoke on Brighton’s latest transfer news, announced earlier this morning. Nadine Noordam joined from Ajax, where she made 105 appearances in all competitions. The 26-year-old midfielder, scored 18 goals and has represented her country, the Netherlands, from the under-15 to under -23 age groups. 

“She brings experience to the squad,” Vidošić told the media. “She’s played in the Champions League, played for Ajax this season, competing for a title. So she’s used to that sort of pressure and I think it brings a lot of quality in the midfield, mobility as well.”

He added that Noordam has been assessed this morning and with medical tests completed the club are now awaiting news on her visa and she is set to join the squad tomorrow. “I’m hoping she’ll play a big part in this second part of the season and in the future.”

In terms of injury news ahead of Crystal Palace on Sunday, Vidošić said: “We’re just hopeful to get everyone staying on the park, and Fran [Kirby] back as well [who has been out with a calf injury since before the winter break], hopefully soon. And then we should be okay.” 

Earlier this week, Brighton beat Durham 4-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Reflecting on that win, which followed a chastening 3-0 defeat to Manchester United the previous weekend, Vidošić said: “It was an important win for us. Got us back out on the pitch after a tough week. The goals, (scored by four different goal scorers), lifted confidence in the squad.”

Looking ahead to Sunday, Vidošić said: “There is no point looking at the ladder. It doesn’t matter where you are [on the ladder] until the end of the season. If we fall into a trap of just thinking, they’re at the bottom, this will be easy, we are going to have a very tough afternoon. We will approach [this game] as we would anyone else, because in this league in particular, you have to be at your best.”

Brighton will host Crystal Palace at 14:00 on Sunday 2nd February.