sports
Brighton’s Fran Kirby: ‘Instead of running around like a headless chicken, I stand and assess’
Former Chelsea forward is thriving on the south coast and targeting victory over Liverpool in the Women’s FA Cup

TL;DR
- Fran Kirby, at 32, has embraced an evolved playing style focused on creativity, risk-taking passes, and intelligent assessment of the game.
- She acknowledges she's not the same player as when she was 25 but understands her current strengths and how to use them.
- Kirby's career has been impacted by injuries and illness, but she maintains strong self-belief and credits her current form to the supportive environment at Brighton.
- She has a greater understanding of her body and follows a highly individualized program, including pre-training routines and recovery methods.
- The culture at Brighton, characterized by teamwork and mutual support, is highlighted as a significant factor in the team's recent success.
- Kirby praises manager Dario Vidosic for his coaching style and the positive impact he has had on the team.
- She is motivated to win the Women's FA Cup for the club, Vidosic, and his late father, acknowledging Vidosic's personal sacrifices.