Brighton & Hove Albion Women defender Marisa Olislagers has set her sights on a top-six Women's Super League finish as the club start a fresh chapter under new head coach Arturo Ruiz. The Dutch international outlined her ambitions in an exclusive interview with Her Football Hub this week ahead of the 2026/27 season opener against Arsenal.
What are Brighton's league targets this season?
Marisa Olislagers believes the Seagulls must improve on last term's seventh-place finish. The 25-year-old defender, who began her career with ADO Den Haag before winning domestic honours at FC Twente, is clear about the objective. "I think we really want to finish higher than we did last season," Olislagers said. Ending up seventh was particularly frustrating as it left Brighton just two points behind their record-high fifth-place finish. Her commitment to the project is total, having recently pledged her future to the club after developing into a senior international during her time in the Netherlands.
How does last season's FA Cup run provide a platform?
The foundation for optimism is built on a historic cup campaign that saw Brighton reach their first-ever Women's FA Cup final. Olislagers was instrumental in the quarter-final upset of Arsenal, playing nearly the full match and making the most tackles. A thrilling 3-2 semi-final victory over Liverpool then booked a Wembley date. Retaining key personnel like league top scorer Keiko Seike and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie ensures the core of that team remains intact. The club has further strengthened by recruiting experienced midfielder Lia Wälti, a Champions League winner.
What does new boss Arturo Ruiz bring?
Brighton's direction is now in the hands of Arturo Ruiz, the 29-year-old appointed on a deal running until 2029. He replaces Dario Vidosic, who departed after two years for a role in the United States. Ruiz's credentials are impressive, having previously steered Real Sociedad to third in Liga F and into Champions League qualification. His arrival aligns with the club's visible investment, which also includes plans for a groundbreaking new stadium. Olislagers recognises this momentum. "Brighton really wants to invest money, and I think that just helps us," she stated. "Every team is really investing right now, and I think it's important that we do that as well."
Who is unavailable for the season start?
Ruiz will have to manage his resources carefully from the outset, with a number of players currently unavailable. The club's injury list features Evan Ferguson, Femi Azeez, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Mats Wieffer, and Stefanos Tzimas. Supporters can monitor the latest squad news via the official squad page. This depth will be tested immediately in a demanding opening fixture.
When and where is the first match?
The 2026/27 WSL campaign kicks off for Brighton this Sunday, September 6th, with a home match against Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium. The game starts at 12pm BST. UK viewers can watch live on Sky Sports, with the Barclays Women's Super League YouTube channel carrying the broadcast for international audiences. All upcoming matches are listed on the club's fixtures page. For Olislagers and Brighton, the mission to climb the table begins this weekend.
