Football
24 Jan 2025
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5 Things to Know About New Arsenal Head Coach Renee Slegers

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Arsenal Appoint Renee Slegers as Permanent Head Coach

Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Renee Slegers as their permanent head coach until 2026. The 35-year-old Dutchwoman has been working on an interim basis since October and now steps into the role permanently, replacing Jonas Eidevall, who has moved on to coach San Diego Wave in the NWSL.

Under Slegers’ leadership, Arsenal have experienced a remarkable resurgence, currently sitting third in the WSL table, seven points behind league leaders Chelsea. The team’s exceptional form has seen them win 10 of their last 11 matches, drawing only once against Manchester United. Additionally, the Gunners topped their Champions League group, edging out Bayern Munich in a thrilling 3-2 victory before the winter break.

Here are five key things to know about Arsenal’s new head coach as she ushers in a new era for the club.

1. Slegers Has Deep Arsenal Roots

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Renee Slegers after the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages

Renee Slegers’ connection to Arsenal dates back to her teenage years. At just 17, she was part of the club’s academy between 2006 and 2007. During this time, she lived and studied at Oaklands College in Hertfordshire, Arsenal’s principal further education provider.

While at Arsenal, Slegers trained alongside iconic players like Alex Scott and Kelly Smith, experiences she has spoken about with great fondness. This early exposure to the club’s values and culture has clearly shaped her approach to coaching.

2. She Has Replaced Jonas Eidevall Before

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Former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall with Renee Slegers / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages

Interestingly, this is not the first time Slegers has succeeded Jonas Eidevall in a coaching capacity. Before joining Arsenal, she worked with FC Rosengard in Sweden, initially managing their B team.

When Eidevall left Rosengard in June 2021 to join Arsenal, Slegers stepped up as the head coach of their first team. She led the side to back-to-back Damallsvenskan titles in 2021 and 2022, cementing her reputation as a top-tier coach before departing the role in April 2023.

3. A Playing Career Cut Short

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Renee Slegers is a former Dutch international / VI-Images/GettyImages

Slegers’ playing career ended prematurely at the age of 29 due to injuries. She earned 55 caps for the Netherlands national team but was sidelined by a serious injury during a friendly against England in 2016. This injury ruled her out of the 2017 European Championships, which the Netherlands hosted and ultimately won.

After more than a year of recovery, Slegers announced her retirement in February 2018. Her early retirement has influenced her empathetic and player-focused approach to coaching.

4. Strong Backing From the Arsenal Squad

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Renee Slegers with the Arsenal players / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Arsenal’s impressive run under Slegers is a testament to her ability to unite and inspire the squad. Players have been vocal about their support for her methods and leadership. Star forward Beth Mead described Slegers’ approach as a “breath of fresh air” back in October, hinting at the players’ preference for her permanent appointment.

The atmosphere within the team has been markedly positive, and this optimism has translated into standout performances on the pitch. The players’ trust in Slegers will be crucial as they aim to maintain their momentum.

5. Consistency Is Her Focus

Now that Slegers has been confirmed as the permanent head coach, her challenge will be to sustain the team’s current form. She has emphasized the importance of consistency and collective effort in achieving success.

In an interview with Ian Wright, Slegers stated: “It’s going to be very important for me that nothing changes because I think what’s made us so strong is the collective ownership. So I won’t change, the girls shouldn’t change, no-one should change because we do things really well at the moment.”

The Road Ahead

With a strong foundation already in place, Renee Slegers’ appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Arsenal. Her proven track record, connection to the club’s ethos, and rapport with the players make her well-suited to lead the Gunners towards their ambitious goals, including a potential Champions League triumph and domestic success.

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