Arsenal have confirmed that Renee Slegers will continue as the club’s interim head coach until Christmas, as they continue their search for a permanent manager. Slegers, who took charge after Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in late October, has overseen an impressive seven-game unbeaten run and will remain in control for the next block of fixtures, which includes Women’s Super League (WSL) matches against Aston Villa and Liverpool, as well as UEFA Women’s Champions League encounters with Valerenga and Bayern Munich.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Arsenal are in a positive position with their ongoing search for a permanent manager. However, the process is expected to continue for several more weeks, meaning Slegers will remain at the helm for the immediate future.
Slegers: “I’m Happy to Contribute”
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s WSL clash against Aston Villa on Friday, Slegers expressed her satisfaction with the role, acknowledging the importance of contributing to the team’s ongoing success.
“I’m happy to contribute to the team. I was really happy in the role I was contributing in before, and now I’m stepping in doing this,” said Slegers. “I enjoy the role, I enjoyed the other role as well. I’m just happy to be with Arsenal at the moment.”
When asked about her aspirations for the permanent role, the 35-year-old remained tight-lipped. “I enjoy it at the moment. I don’t know about the future, I just do everything I can in my role at the moment,” she explained.
Slegers Reflects on Progress and Team Accountability
Slegers also highlighted the importance of player accountability and ownership in the team’s recent success. “As a group, we’ve highlighted what we wanted to do. I think the players have been taking big ownership in holding themselves and each other accountable for a lot of things, so we’ve tried to facilitate and lead that process,” she said. “But again, big credit to the group of players.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s managerial situation, Slegers reassured that Arsenal are handling the situation in a professional manner, focusing on the present. “That’s the reality we’re in, but we’re actually trying to turn it into something very positive for us,” she added. “We’re living in the day because we don’t know about tomorrow. I think everyone’s been very professional, both players and staff.”
Beth Mead Pleased with Interim Setup
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has voiced her approval of Slegers’ continued leadership, praising her impact since taking over. “We’ve been doing really well under Renée,” said Mead. “I think most, if not everyone, is very happy about her being in charge still. We’re happy in the place we are in as a team and with Renée right now.”
Cushing Rumours Resurface
Arsenal’s search for a permanent manager continues, with former New York City FC boss Nick Cushing having been linked with the role. While Cushing was previously considered a “primary target” for the position in October, he ruled himself out at that time due to his ongoing commitments with the MLS club. However, following his recent departure from New York City FC, speculation has re-emerged that he could now be a candidate for the vacant managerial position at Arsenal.
As Slegers leads the team through a crucial period, Arsenal’s focus remains on their immediate fixtures, while the club continues to explore its options for a permanent manager.
