Lia Walti is looking forward to facing Arsenal (Image: Newsquest)
Lia Walti is looking forward to facing Arsenal (Image: Newsquest)
Lia Walti has revealed her reaction when she learned her Albion debut is likely to come against Arsenal.
The Switzerland midfielder has returned to the WSL after a season at Juventus having previously helped the Gunners win the title and the Champions League.
Arsenal head to the Broadfield Stadium to open the campaign on Sunday, September 6 (12pm).
Walti told The Argus: “I'm happy to see the people at Arsenal and I have been always in good terms with them.
“But it will be weird for sure and the first time to face them in a different kit and play against them.
“But that's football. We have that in national team as well. You play your mates and your friends and you just have to put that aside.
“In the end, I'm going to fight for my team now, which is Brighton, to get the points.
“But for sure it will be a little bit weird.”
Walti recognises she has joined a club who will be underdogs more often than Arsenal and Juventus.
But she says they have no need to “hide” in big games such as Arsenal’s visit.
She added: “I feel the same as a player. I think I'm as hungry as before to win the games and I think also Brighton is not a team who has to hide.
“I think we've seen in the last couple of years they have been able to hurt the big teams in many moments and they reached the FA Cup final last year as well.
“I think we can be confident in that sense.
“Of course, we are not going be favourites in every single game so I think that's a nice position to be in.
“We've got maybe nothing to lose before, let's say, the first game of the season and when we play teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City.
“But, at the same time, we don't need to hide so I think it's a good position to be in.”