Arsenal out of title race, admits under-fire Renee Slegers
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has conceded that her team are currently out of the running for the Women’s Super League trophy. A painful 4-2 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday has left the Gunners sitting tenth in the standings, trailing the leaders by ten points.
The north London side twice held the advantage at the Etihad Stadium before the hosts mounted a late comeback to secure all three points. This latest setback means Arsenal have won just once in their opening five league matches, representing the worst opening to a league campaign the club has endured since 2014.
Slegers is facing intense scrutiny, especially after her side also surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday. Yet, the Dutch coach insists she has no intention of stepping down.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Slegers said:
“At the moment we’re not in the (title) conversation, no.”
Slegers vows to fight on
Despite the mounting pressure and a run of poor results, the Arsenal boss remains determined to turn things around. She insists that she still has the backing of the club hierarchy and the players.
Discussing her future with ESPN, Slegers said:
“Of course, this result is disappointing, but I’m here, I’m full of energy and I care a lot for the club, for the players and I see perspective so yeah, of course it’s good.”
The manager also made a point of acknowledging the 2,500 travelling supporters who made the trip to Manchester. Rather than heading straight down the tunnel, she stayed on the pitch to face the crowd.
Explaining her interaction with the travelling supporters, Slegers told ESPN:
“I mostly went there to thank them and connect with them and show them that I care for them and appreciate them coming on to Manchester.”
A thorough assessment planned
With the international break now underway, the Arsenal coaching staff plan to use the hiatus to evaluate their performance. Slegers indicated that every aspect of their preparation, including training schedules and background operations, will be analysed.
The break will also allow the squad to step away from a demanding environment. Slegers believes that representing their respective national teams could help the players rediscover their confidence before domestic action resumes.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz offered some comfort to the under-fire Arsenal boss. Despite his own side sitting at the summit of the table, Jeglertz is confident that the Gunners will recover.
Offering support to his counterpart, Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz told Sky Sports:
“They had a struggle in the beginning, but it’s still a good football team.”
Pundits urge patience
Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie also defended Slegers, suggesting that the responsibility for the poor form should be shared across the entire squad. Speaking on Sky Sports, Corsie argued that Slegers is an outstanding coach whose position should not be under threat.
Corsie highlighted that draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United laid the groundwork for the current pressure. She also pointed out that Arsenal’s midfield, featuring Georgia Stanway and Kim Little, has yet to find the right balance, urging the manager to make bolder selection choices.
With Manchester City and Chelsea setting the pace at the top, Arsenal face an uphill battle to salvage their season. Slegers and her team must find quick answers during the international break if they are to climb back up the table.
