Renée Slegers has expressed her appreciation for the unwavering backing she has received from Arsenal’s management, commending her senior players for their exceptional leadership as she aims to address the team’s recent struggles ahead of a crucial match against Manchester City this Sunday.
With only one victory in the last five outings, pressure has increased on Slegers. Arsenal’s recent two-goal advantage evaporated, resulting in a draw against Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday. In the Women’s Super League (WSL), the team now trails the leaders and reigning champions City by seven points, having netted just twice in four league matches.
On Friday, Slegers conveyed a sense of determination, highlighting the “strong togetherness” present within the club. When asked about her feelings regarding the board’s support, she affirmed, “Absolutely, that’s what I’ve experienced. It has been a positive influence and has aided me. The club’s leadership has been incredibly supportive during this challenging period, and we all recognize that this is not the situation we desire for the team or the club.”
She continued to commend the contributions of key figures such as Clare Wheatley, Rich Garlick, James King, and Jodie Taylor, stating, “Their leadership has been outstanding. I want to reciprocate the club’s faith in me.” Slegers noted the ongoing communication and unity within the team, expressing her gratitude for their support and emphasizing her belief in the team’s potential to overcome this period of adversity.
The 37-year-old Dutch coach began her comments by apologizing to the media for her absence following Wednesday’s game, where a controversial penalty was awarded against Arsenal after Leah Williamson was mistakenly penalized during a goal-kick. Slegers decided to prioritize being with her team instead of addressing the media. “I was feeling emotional after the match. I chose to be with the team,” she explained, adding that she intends to be present for future media engagements. She conveyed her frustration, stating, “I told the team, ‘I’m angry, and I want us to harness these emotions to drive us forward,’ and I believe this will be crucial in our journey ahead.”
This Sunday’s match poses a significant challenge against a City side that boasts an undefeated record in the WSL this season and has won every home league encounter since Andrée Jeglertz took over as head coach in the summer of 2025.
Slegers commended her players for their response since the previous match, remarking, “My players have been outstanding – I’ve witnessed their best attributes.”
She elaborated, “What this group has exhibited is unprecedented. The captains have displayed exceptional leadership; it’s the strongest I have witnessed in my football career. They are calm, composed, focused on solutions, and determined. This has been a pivotal moment for us as we look to move forward.”
She acknowledged the dual responsibilities she faces as head coach, indicating the need for calmness and direction while simultaneously expressing gratitude for the team’s solidarity and the positivity observed during training sessions. “It was an excellent training day, and I am genuinely pleased with how everyone is responding,” she concluded.
