Gunners Forward Discusses Return to Form, Healthy Competition, and Future Coaching Ambitions
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has expressed her delight at rediscovering her passion for football under interim head coach Renee Slegers, as the team continues to perform strongly in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Despite fierce competition for a starting spot in the team, Mead says she is enjoying the challenge and feels she is playing some of her best football once again. In an exclusive interview with 90min, the England international opened up about her experience in recent months, her thoughts on Slegers’ leadership, and her ambitions for life after football.
A Renewed Joy for Football
Mead’s form this season has seen a noticeable shift, and the 29-year-old attributes much of her improvement to the change in atmosphere at Arsenal following the resignation of former head coach Jonas Eidevall. Under Slegers, the Gunners have remained unbeaten, with the mood within the camp becoming more relaxed and enjoyable. According to Mead, the team is having more fun than ever before, and that has had a positive impact on her performances.
“I think I played one of my best seasons just before the Euros and that was because I was happy and was having fun,” Mead reflected. “You lose that sometimes in football because of how serious the game is now. But you start because you love it, and that is what you need to get back sometimes, and then the performances come back better again.”
Mead’s shift in perspective has allowed her to embrace the fun and joy of the game again, something that was beginning to slip away due to the pressures of professional football. For the forward, happiness on the field is now driving her success.
Healthy Competition Drives Performance
Competition for places in the Arsenal starting lineup has only intensified this season, particularly after the arrival of Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey in the summer. Additionally, Caitlin Foord’s excellent form has meant that Mead has had to make a greater impact off the bench than in previous seasons. However, rather than seeing this as a setback, Mead views this as a positive challenge that makes her a better player.
“The game is an ever-evolving game, and as a player, you have to be ever-evolving,” she said. “I back myself as a player. I have been training hard and well, and I am trying to give Renee a headache.”
This healthy competition within the squad, according to Mead, drives the players to improve, which ultimately benefits the team as a whole. While it can be difficult to settle for a spot on the bench, Mead sees it as an opportunity to improve herself, both as a player and as an individual.
“I don’t want to be sat on the bench, but it makes you better as a player and a person,” she added. The added depth in Arsenal’s squad has forced every player to up their game, and Mead believes it can only improve the team’s overall performance as they aim for silverware this season.
Coaching Ambitions: Preparing for Life After Football
In addition to her on-field development, Mead has also been focusing on her long-term future in the sport. The England forward has recently embarked on her UEFA coaching licenses, with plans to transition into coaching once her playing career comes to an end. Mead has already begun to look at the game from a new perspective, learning how to analyze football with the mindset of a coach.
“When you start doing your coaching badges alongside playing, you start looking at things differently,” Mead explained. “You understand how the game is. Sometimes having that balance of playing and understanding how it is and the expectation on players and what the day-in and day-out looks for players can give you an edge as a coach.”
Mead’s coaching journey has already helped her appreciate the nuances of the game in a new way, and she is eager to implement the lessons she’s learning into her future career. She acknowledged that understanding what players need and how to balance tactical knowledge with personal relationships is crucial to being a successful coach.
This combination of playing experience and coaching knowledge is something that she believes will benefit her when she transitions into coaching. “Thinking about what my own philosophy might be as a coach and what I would want to implement comes from my playing career and the game,” she said. “Finding out what players need and want and finding the balance between that and being good tactically, and personally, too.”
The Impact of Renee Slegers
Mead was also keen to praise the impact of interim head coach Renee Slegers, who has taken charge of Arsenal in a turbulent period following Eidevall’s departure. Slegers has steered the team to an unbeaten run and has brought a positive atmosphere back to the squad. According to Mead, Slegers’ understanding of both the tactical and personal sides of the game has been key to her success.
“That’s why Renee has had such a good effect on us so far,” Mead said, highlighting Slegers’ balance of tactical acumen and personal insight into players’ needs. “She knows how to connect with the players and get the best out of us in a way that is supportive and effective.”
The success under Slegers has clearly had a positive impact on the entire squad, and for Mead, the rejuvenated atmosphere has been a significant factor in her own improvement. The mood around the camp is one of enjoyment and camaraderie, something that Mead believes is essential to a successful team dynamic.
Conclusion: A Positive Future for Mead and Arsenal
Beth Mead’s enjoyment of football is evident as she embraces the competition for spots in Arsenal’s starting eleven and continues to develop both as a player and as a future coach. The change in atmosphere under Renee Slegers has reignited Mead’s passion for the game, and her growing confidence is reflected in her performances on the pitch.
With a bright future ahead, both in terms of her playing career and her ambitions in coaching, Mead’s perspective on football has shifted towards a more balanced and joyful approach. The added competition within the squad, the guidance of Slegers, and her own growth as a player all point towards an exciting season for Arsenal as they aim for success in the WSL.
