Arsenal Women’s Team Thrives Under Interim Coach Renee Slegers

courtesy of thesun.co.uk

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Williamson Relieved to Avoid Managerial Decisions

Leah Williamson, the captain of Arsenal Women’s team, expressed her relief at not having to make the tough call on who should be the next permanent manager. The pressure is mounting for the club, especially after a stellar performance that saw them defeat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Champions League.

Champions League Victory Sparks Momentum

Arsenal’s triumph over Bayern not only avenged their earlier defeat but also solidified their position at the top of Group C. The match, held at Meadow Park, marked the team’s eighth consecutive win under the guidance of interim coach Renee Slegers. This victory extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games as they head into the winter break of the Women’s Super League.

Williamson Praises Team Spirit

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Williamson noted the positive atmosphere that has emerged since Slegers took the helm. “We have been zeroing in on the games but I am so happy coming into work,” she shared. The England defender highlighted the achievement of their initial goals: “We had two targets at the beginning of this block and we ticked them both. It puts us in good stead, we wanted to win the group and we did.”

Slegers’ Impact on Team Dynamics

Renee Slegers stepped into the role after a challenging start to the season, which saw the team struggling with three winless games at home and heavy losses to Chelsea and Bayern. Since her appointment in mid-October, the Gunners have only conceded five goals in their last 11 matches. Williamson noted a shift in momentum, stating, “When you don’t have a set manager and you have an interim, everyone becomes more accountable and everybody has to step up.”

A Team United and Responsible

The captain believes the interim situation has fostered a sense of responsibility among the players. “Everybody is pulling their weight a bit more and maybe we needed that,” she said. Slegers has encouraged the squad to express themselves on the pitch, leading to a more cohesive and effective playing style.

Looking Ahead: Champions League Quarter-Finals

With Arsenal finishing at the top of their group, they are set to face one of three potential opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals: Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Wolfsburg. The draw will take place on February 7, and Slegers is optimistic about their chances. “We have a top squad. It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months,” she remarked.

Confidence in the Squad’s Potential

Slegers highlighted the grit and determination shown by her players, alongside their undeniable talent. “The team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football,” she stated. While acknowledging the strength of their rivals, she remains confident that Arsenal can compete at the highest level.

What’s Next for Arsenal Women?

As the team gears up for the quarter-finals, the focus will be on maintaining their recent form and continuing to build on the momentum created under Slegers. With a strong squad and a renewed sense of accountability, the Gunners are poised to make a significant impact in the latter stages of the Champions League.