It has been announced that former Dutch international Renée Slegers has been awarded the Arsenal Women’s Head Coach role. This comes after a successful three-month period as interim manager for the Gunners.
Renée Slegers took over from former manager Jonas Eidevall, who resigned following a spell of poor results in the league and several seasons of uncertainty around his long-term future as Arsenal’s manager. Since taking charge on October 15th, Slegers has managed an undefeated record in all competitions, with 10 wins and one draw.
Many fans were impressed with Slegers’ management and quick turnaround of form. Despite many potential suitors, Clare Wheatley (Arsenal Ladies Development Manager) stated that Slegers was the standout candidate to become Arsenal’s new head coach.
Arsenal’s Change in Form:
Before Eidevall’s resignation, Arsenal had only won one game in the Women’s Super League (WSL). They had an impressive record in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) until facing Bayern Munich, who dismantled them 5-2. Only three days after that game, Eidevall took charge of Arsenal one last time in a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at home.
Slegers was announced as the interim manager on the same day as Eidevall’s resignation, taking charge of the first team immediately. Only one day afterwards, she led the team to a convincing victory against Valerenga in the UWCL. Since then, Arsenal has had convincing results, winning all but one game against Manchester United, which ended 1-1.
The Gunners also managed a crucial victory against Bayern Munich in their last game, securing first place in their UWCL group. This means they will face Manchester City, VfL Wolfsburg or Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, avoiding FC Barcelona. December was a particularly impressive month in the WSL, with Slegers winning the Manager of the Month Award.
How Could the Rest of the Season Look?
Arsenal hopes to continue their unbeaten form when they return to WSL action against Crystal Place this weekend. Their upcoming fixtures are not easy, though, with a packed schedule including Chelsea and Manchester City ahead of them. Furthermore, Arsenal are still in competitions such as the FA Cup, where they face Bristol City in the fourth round just before a visit to the Joie Stadium.
With Chelsea sitting undefeated on top of the WSL table with 28 points, it is difficult to see anyone stopping the current champions. However, Arsenal currently sits third, only one point behind Manchester City and joint on points with Manchester United. With the team’s current form, the Gunners hope to finish the season strong, laying foundations to build from next season.
Key Players:
Alessia Russo has been a standout star since Slegers took charge, with the forward seeming like she has refound her best form. The 25-year-old has six goals, one assist in 10 games in the WSL, and five goals and one assist in 10 UWCL games. Renée Slegers has not been shy about moving Russo around the pitch, with the number 23 having operated as a left-winger, attacking midfielder and striker since she took charge. Russo was particularly impressive in December, winning both WSL Player and Goal of the Month awards.
Another player who has flourished under Slegers is Caitlin Foord, who often looked burnt out under Eidevall due to her excessive minutes. Since October, Foord has had an upturn of form and has impressed on either wing, often rotating with Mariona Caldentey. The Australian international has scored three goals under Slegers, with much more freedom to be direct and creative.
What Does the Future Hold?
Renée Slegers as Arsenal Women’s head coach is an appointment many fans will be thrilled with, considering her unbeaten record. The fans and the club will be hoping that she can continue this form and put some pressure on current league leaders Chelsea and second-place Manchester City. Slegers still needs to find her ‘optimal’ starting lineup, but her style of play is clearly working, and the players seem happy under her management.