Jonas Eidevall, the former head coach of Arsenal Women, has opened up about his resignation from the club last year and how his decision was influenced by the challenging relationship with the fans. Eidevall, who was appointed as the new head coach of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side San Diego Wave, reflected on his departure from the Women’s Super League (WSL) club and the pivotal moments that led him to step down. In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, he explained that his resignation was, in hindsight, the “right decision” for both him personally and the team’s future performance.
The Strain of Fan Expectations
Eidevall’s time at Arsenal Women was marked by high expectations, both from the fans and the club. He inherited a team that had long been one of the most successful in English women’s football. However, despite initial success, the team’s form began to falter during his tenure, with a series of disappointing results on the pitch. This led to increasing scrutiny from the supporters. As the pressure mounted, some Arsenal fans began to question Eidevall’s tactics and leadership, with calls for his dismissal growing louder.
But the tipping point came when Arsenal made the controversial decision not to renew the contract of Vivianne Miedema, one of the club’s most iconic and prolific players. At the time, Miedema was the all-time top scorer in the WSL, having netted an impressive 79 goals. The announcement that the club would allow her to leave as a free agent caused a significant uproar, and it’s clear that this moment played a pivotal role in the deterioration of Eidevall’s relationship with the Arsenal fanbase.
Reflecting on the situation, Eidevall admitted that this was the moment when he felt the disconnect between himself and the supporters was irreparable. “I think that when we didn’t renew Miedema’s contract, my relationship at the time with the fans was hurting the team,” he said in the interview. Eidevall recognized that the fanbase’s anger and disappointment were affecting the morale of the team, and that this tension was not conducive to the team’s success.
The Decision to Step Down
Eidevall explained that, after much deliberation, he believed that stepping down from his position was the most effective way to bring stability back to the team. He emphasized that the decision was not an easy one, but it was made with the long-term success of the team in mind. “I thought [leaving] was the quickest fix for the team to be able to perform again,” he stated.
The decision to walk away from a top-tier club like Arsenal, particularly when under such pressure, was undoubtedly difficult. However, Eidevall’s rationale was rooted in his commitment to the team and its future success. By resigning, he hoped to alleviate some of the external pressure and allow the players to focus on their performances without the added strain of a divided fanbase. “It was an incredibly difficult personal decision for me to walk away from, but sometimes you have to do that when it’s what you think is best for the team,” Eidevall explained.
The former Arsenal manager’s stance on the situation highlights a key part of his coaching philosophy: always prioritize the team. He emphasized that, in his view, the collective wellbeing of the squad had to come before individual interests, even if it meant taking a personal hit. “Sometimes you lose as an individual, but if everyone is committed to always making the best decisions, then everybody will win in the end,” he reflected.
A New Beginning: Eidevall Joins San Diego Wave
Less than three months after leaving Arsenal, Eidevall found a new challenge in the United States, when he was appointed as the head coach of NWSL side San Diego Wave. This move came after the Wave’s search for a new head coach, which had already begun in the summer of 2024. Eidevall became a top candidate after his resignation from Arsenal, with the club showing immediate interest in his experience and leadership style.
Camille Ashton, the sporting director and general manager of San Diego Wave, confirmed that the club had been actively looking for a new head coach but had not considered Eidevall until he became available. “Jonas was not part of the picture at that point because he was unavailable, but we continued and when things changed, he became an option to us immediately,” Ashton told Sports Illustrated.
Eidevall’s appointment comes at a time of transition for San Diego Wave, who have a relatively short history but a growing reputation in women’s football. The team was founded just four years ago and quickly made its mark by winning the 2023 NWSL Shield and the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup under former coach Casey Stoney. However, Stoney was dismissed mid-season in 2024 after the team went on a seven-game winless streak. The Wave finished the 2024 season under interim coach Landon Donovan, placing tenth in the league.
Eidevall will now take over the reins of a team looking to regain its competitive edge after a turbulent season. With his appointment, San Diego Wave hopes to stabilize and return to the top of the league. “I’m really excited to be joining a team that has so much potential,” Eidevall remarked. “The ambition of the club and the passion of the supporters is something I’m really looking forward to.”
A Fresh Start in the U.S.: Eidevall’s Coaching Philosophy
As Eidevall prepares to start his tenure at San Diego Wave, he is focused on building relationships with his new players and staff. While it is unclear exactly when he will be able to join the team in the United States due to visa requirements, he remains determined to get started as soon as possible. Eidevall is no stranger to adjusting to new environments, having previously taken on the challenge of managing Arsenal during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still under contract with his former Swedish club, FC Rosengard.
His approach to pre-season training is grounded in building strong, personal connections with players. Eidevall emphasized the importance of understanding the individuals behind the footballers, which he believes is essential for creating a cohesive team environment. “In the first part of pre-season, it’s about building a connection with the players and staff. It’s about getting to know them as people and who they are, what’s important to them, and what motivates them,” he explained.
For Eidevall, the key to success is fostering an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. He explained that understanding each player’s unique journey is critical to helping them reach their potential. “Every person is unique and they have their own journey, and that has to be understood,” he added. His emphasis on individual development highlights his belief that a team’s success is built not only on tactical acumen but also on the personal growth and well-being of its players.
A Promising Future for San Diego Wave
Eidevall’s appointment at San Diego Wave marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the coach and the club. While his time at Arsenal was marred by fan discontent and disappointing results, Eidevall now faces the opportunity to rebuild his reputation and lead a talented group of players in a new environment. San Diego Wave, despite their recent struggles, have a strong foundation and a winning culture that Eidevall can build upon.
As he prepares to take charge of the team, Eidevall remains focused on the bigger picture: creating a team that is motivated, unified, and capable of competing at the highest level. “I always preach that you have to do what’s best for the team,” Eidevall said, underlining his commitment to collective success.
For both Jonas Eidevall and San Diego Wave, the future looks promising. The coach’s experience, his focus on individual player development, and his ability to create a strong team dynamic could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Wave. As the 2025 NWSL season approaches, all eyes will be on Eidevall to see if he can lead San Diego Wave to new heights and fulfill the promise that he showed during his time in Sweden and at Arsenal.
