Fran Kirby: How the Brighton star is using his competitive drive to inspire his young squad – and watching Chelsea upset in the WSL | soccer news

Before Fran Kirby says a word, it’s the twinkle in her eye and infectious wide smile that lets you know her thirst for the game is still burning brightly.

The body may have endured its fair share of injuries and setbacks over the years, but Kirby’s mind retains the same desire for football as it did when he first started at Reading.

Last June, Kirby announced his retirement from international football a month before the start of England’s defense of the European Championship, having played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ historic win at home three years ago.

But it’s clear the 32-year-old, who ends his second season at Brighton this spring after winning a slew of trophies and personal praise at Chelsea, does not see life on the south coast as an opportunity to relax or have fun on the beach.

“When you join a new team, you try to find your place little by little, but I didn’t think I had to do that.” Kirby said. sky sports Speaking at Brighton’s impressive Elite Football Performance Centre, she reflected on her early days after joining.

“I felt like I was part of the furniture.”

In his first season at the club, Brighton achieved their highest-ever finish in the Women’s Super League, finishing 5th.

This campaign Kirby admits the team has been consistent in their efforts and lost to teams around them. Most recently they came from 2-0 down to lose 3-2 against West Ham thanks to three late goals, and before the international break London City were in 8th place, a tall order to match or better last year’s success.

Kirby is currently on leave for personal reasons and while he admitted it was “a late stage in my career”, he said he was still learning as a player while working with “incredible” coach Dario Vidosic.

With a wealth of experience and success, she has won 77 England caps, seven WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups during her time at Chelsea, as well as being named PFA Women’s Player of the Year twice (2018, 2021), winning the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year twice and being a finalist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or. This means she is demanding of her teammates.

She knows her “tough love” approach is well-received by her younger teammates. Brighton boast one of the youngest squads in the WSL, led by captain Masie Symonds at just 23 years of age.

“I come from a very demanding environment in terms of teams that want to dominate, always want to win trophies and win football games, and I think I’ve tried to bring that experience here,” Kirby said.

“It’s different coming into the building when you have a lot of young players just starting their careers or trying to find more of a place in the WSL. You have to consider what everyone is trying to achieve and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“Sometimes the girls might think I’m a little harsh on them, but that’s because I know what they’re capable of. I know what they’re capable of. I see them in training every day and the way we play football. I want to help them feel confident and go on to achieve amazing things.”

Kirby said it may have been an “eye-opener” for some of her teammates, but she just wanted to instill the same level of drive and ambition that was built into her.

“Sometimes they seem a little tired of me, but overall they love me and know what I want to help them achieve.”

‘Brighton could still struggle a bit in title contention’

A self-motivated individual with plenty of drive and ambition, Kirby’s passion for the game was taken to new heights after joining Chelsea in 2014, where he worked under Emma Hayes.

Chelsea, who are in their second season with Sonia Bompastor after winning a sixth successive WSL title last year, have dropped out of the top spot this season and are 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, who are poised to end Chelsea’s dominance. They retained the Women’s League Cup with a win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Kirby, who is preparing to face his old side as Brighton travel to Kingsmeadow to face Chelsea, said live on Sky on Wednesday night with a 7pm kick-off that the change in the league table brings unexpected and exciting changes for fans of the game.

“This year is different in that Chelsea are not at the top of the table, but they have always been very close. In previous years it has come down to goal difference or the last game of the season. So as Chelsea have dominated for many years, there has always been that kind of title race.

“Manchester City may look comfortable at the moment, but a lot can change. It takes a few games for things to get a little tense. And, as you know, when you lose a few games it becomes difficult.”

“It’s really exciting for me to see that, but obviously we’re not in the title race, but we’re also here to ruffle a few feathers along the way.”

Chelsea have been hit by injuries and inconsistency this season, leaving them short of firepower. Chelsea have scored 29 goals compared to Manchester City’s 47 so far in this league campaign.

You could argue that they missed Kirby’s ability to create magic in midfield and turn games around with crucial winners. Kirby actually remains Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer, scoring 116 goals in 208 appearances.

Now she is poised to further thwart Chelsea’s ambitions for a belated bid for the title.

“When I left Chelsea, I told the girls: even if I play against you, you will want to win because you know who I am and what I am about.

“I’m excited to play against them. I’m excited to play against girls I know. And I’m excited to play in front of the fans that I’ve played in front of for so many years and have always shown me so much love. It’s all love until the whistle blows.”

Passion until the end. And when it comes to Fran Kirby, you wouldn’t expect it any other way.

Brighton travel to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday, kick-off at 7pm, live on Sky Sports.