Arsenal Women’s 2024 season started as a nightmare. Plagued by abysmal performances and underwhelming results, it starkly contrasted the optimism that many had anticipated at the start of the campaign.
It was only a short time before the pressure became too much for then-manager, Jonas Eidevall. The Swede stepped down from his role amid the turmoil. Assistant manager Renée Slegers then promoted to interim manager.
The appointment of Slegers has proven to be a transformative moment for the Gunners. With her, a renewed sense of hope and stability has arrived.
Initially, the plan was to have her in charge for two games, until the October international break. Her stint extended, however, at least to the November international break.
While her or the club’s future has not yet been determined, here is a look back at how Slegers has been able to transform the Gunner’s season and relight the spark in the team.
Why a Change Was Needed
The summer transfer window was a rollercoaster of emotions for Arsenal supporters. On one hand, there was excitement over the arrival of star players. Mariona Caldentey, after a glittering decade at Barcelona where she won 25 trophies, joined the club. The Spaniard would bring experience and a winning mentality to the side.
Meanwhile, young talent Rosa Kafaji switched from BK Häcken. The 21-year-old had a sensational Champions League campaign last season, attracting the attention of many European sides.
But the joy of these signings was tempered by the emotional blow of losing Vivianne Miedema. Letting the WSL’s all-time top scorer go on a free was a blow. Her departure, after two injury-laden seasons, marked the end of an era for Arsenal. Saying goodbye to such a monumental figure in Arsenal’s history was a bitter pill to swallow.
The emotional turbulence of the summer wasn’t the only challenge. Arsenal also faced early competitive struggles. Finishing third in the WSL last season meant we would have to go through tough Champions League qualification. Last season, we faced an early blow at this stage. Our CL exit came at the hands of Paris FC during qualifiers. It was hugely disappointing and soured the season.
This season, however, we were able to turn our fortune around. But our Women’s Super League journey started less than ideal. Arsenal experienced their worst start to a domestic campaign ever, picking up only 5 points out of a possible 12 in their opening four games. Of course, opponents need to be taken into account. We faced our title rivals in the opening games, Manchester City and Chelsea. That being said, we dropped points to a struggling Everton side and looked uninspired.
Beyond disappointing results, Arsenal’s predictable style of play under Eidevall further frustrated fans and left the team vulnerable. Even games where Arsenal dominated possession often ended in narrow victories or disheartening draws, reflecting a lack of cutting-edge attack.
Another factor that frustrated fans (and probably players alike) was the lack of consistency in the starting 11. Taking the striker as an example. One week we would see Alessia Russo and the next we would have Stina Blackstenius. Both players offer something different and are highly valuable, but it is impossible to craft a style of play when players are constantly rotated with no stability.
The pressure on Jonas Eidevall was immense. Sure, Eidevall had led Arsenal to two League Cup titles and an unforgettable Champions League semi-final in 2023. Despite this, many felt he had under-performed. His final game in charge was against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Leaving Germany on the receiving end of a 5-2 loss, it became clear that something had to change.
Slegers: A Breath of Fresh Air
When Renée Slegers stepped in as interim manager, there was immediate curiosity about what she could bring to the table. Many, including myself, doubted that she would be able to change the ongoing issues. Having worked closely with Jonas Eidevall as his assistant since joining Arsenal, there was a sense that the underlying problems might persist.
A former Dutch international with a keen footballing brain, Slegers transitioned into coaching after her playing career was cut short by injury. Before her time at Arsenal, she honed her skills at FC Twente Women. Her tenure in the Eredivisie brought her widespread respect for her ability to build cohesive squads and adapt strategies to get the best out of her players.
Slegers also had success on the international stage, working within the Dutch FA’s youth system. Here she developed a reputation for her attention to detail and focus on player development.
The most glaring similarities in Sleger’s and Eidevall’s managerial careers started when both managers were at FC Rosengård. Sleger’s took over as manager of the Swedish side when Eidevall completed his move to North London in 2021. She remained until April 2023, before joining Arsenal as an assistant coach.
Slegers has brought with her a wealth of experience and a different perspective that quickly silenced the skeptics. Her ability to assess the team’s issues and make decisive changes was evident almost immediately. Slegers demonstrated that her time under Eidevall wasn’t just spent following orders—it was an opportunity to observe, learn, and refine her own managerial approach.
Within weeks of taking charge, she implemented key tactical adjustments, improved the team’s morale, and created a stable environment that allowed players to thrive.
She brought a fresh perspective and renewed focus to a squad that desperately needed direction. She has proven that her appointment was not only a quick fix but a transformative one.
Tactical Adjustments
Under Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal had often struggled with tactical predictability, which opponents exploited. Slegers, however, brought fresh ideas to the pitch. One of her first moves was to settle on a consistent starting XI, a stark contrast to the constant rotations under Eidevall. This stability allowed players to develop partnerships on the pitch.
A prime example of this can be seen in the midfield, which has become the backbone of the team under Slegers. The trio of Lia Wälti as the defensive anchor, Kim Little in a box-to-box role, and Frida Maanum as the creative playmaker has been a revelation. Each player now has a clearly defined role, ensuring balance and fluidity across the midfield. Wälti’s composure and defensive discipline allow Little and Maanum to push forward with confidence, linking play and creating opportunities for the attackers.
Beyond their technical contributions, these midfielders set the tone for the younger players. Their leadership provides a model of consistency, giving substitutes the perfect foundation to make an impact when they come off the bench. This clear structure has been pivotal in fostering a sense of cohesion and purpose that was often missing earlier in the season.
Additionally, our defence, which had looked shaky earlier in the season, now appears far more organised. Slegers places greater emphasis on positional discipline. We have also seen Steph Catley employed as left-CB alongside Leah Williamson. The Aussie was mostly used under Eidevall interchangeably with Katie McCabe at LB. However, she has stepped into her new role and looks like a natural. This decision exemplifies Slegers’ pragmatic approach—prioritising experience and discipline to shore up a previously penetrable backline.
Cultural and Psychological Impact
Perhaps Slegers’ most profound impact has been off the pitch. The team needed to recover from the emotional toll of their early struggles. Slegers’ empathetic approach to management has been a breath of fresh air, helping the squad rediscover their focus and unity.
This renewed cohesion has been evident in recent matches. Players are fighting for each other on the pitch, and the body language across the team speaks of a newfound confidence. Slegers has also empowered players like Lina Hurtig, a player who missed almost 300 days of football off the back of an injury. Since coming back, we have seen the Swede playing the best football she has ever played in an Arsenal shirt.
Slegers is also ensuring senior players like Kim Little and Leah Williamson lead from the front. It appeared these players often struggled during Eidevall’s reign and it was great to see them also finding their form. The experience that these players have should never be undervalued or underappreciated.
Results and Evidence
The turnaround under Slegers is clear in the results. Since taking charge, Arsenal have shown improved consistency, with more decisive victories and a marked improvement in defensive solidity. Matches that might have slipped away earlier in the season are now being seen out with resilience and composure.
Sleger’s record with the Gunners has been close to flawless. In the 7 games she has headed, across both the WSL and CL, she has managed an impressive 6 victories and one draw. During this time, the team has scored 21 goals while only conceding 2. In contrast, our opening 4 games, saw us score 5 and concede 7.
It is clear, that not only has our attacking threat returned, but so has our defensive stability.
Not only has she rejuvenated our WSL form but, perhaps most importantly, she secured CL qualification in the group of death. Two stellar performances against Juventus (winning 5-0 on aggregate) were enough to secure our place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition.
Fans who were despondent in September are now buzzing with optimism about what the rest of the season might hold.
Looking Ahead
While Renée Slegers has stabilised the ship, significant questions remain about the long-term direction of Arsenal Women. A critical factor influencing the decision on whether Slegers should be handed the reins permanently is the recent departure of Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar. Edu’s role in shaping the footballing philosophy and hiring decisions at the club cannot be understated. His exit could introduce uncertainty into the process of selecting a new manager, with different visions potentially emerging among those tasked with making the decision.
Furthermore, Slegers’ journey highlights the unique challenges she faces as both a football manager and a mother. Balancing the demands of a top-level managerial role, especially in a league as competitive as the WSL, requires immense resilience. Figures like Emma Hayes, who have successfully navigated similar challenges, demonstrate it is possible. That being said, it comes with its own set of difficulties. The expectations for the manager of Arsenal Women are immense, not only in terms of results but also in managing the emotional and physical demands of the job.
The next few months will be pivotal for both Slegers and Arsenal. If she continues this positive trajectory, she could be an ideal long-term candidate to lead the club into a new era. However, much depends on whether she feels she can sustain the demands of the role, and if the club can provide her with the support she needs to succeed.
Slegers has already proven herself more than capable of meeting challenges head-on. Her tenure thus far suggests she could be the right person to guide Arsenal Women forward, but whether she will be entrusted with the job permanently will hinge on how the club feel. Also, whether she wants to undertake the challenge is another question.
Conclusion
Renée Slegers has done more than just manage—she has reignited belief among Arsenal Women and their fans. Her tactical tweaks, psychological impact, and ability to get the best out of her players have transformed what looked like a lost season into one brimming with potential.
What do you think of Slegers’ impact so far? Could she be the long-term solution for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Ladies In Red 
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