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Interim head coach Renee Slagers says Arsenal have it in them to go all the way in the UEFA Women’s Champions League after topping their group on Wednesday.
Armory Left it late Claimed a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich As Mariona Caldanti converted from the spot to send the team to the top of their group.
Speaking after the win at Meadow Park, Slagers said: “The girls were very pleased with the conditions they faced today, the goals scored, us leading, them coming back, the weather conditions. I was very impressed with that. How the girls stayed composed and focused on the task.
“It wasn’t always the prettiest football, but it was difficult to play pretty football today,” Slagers admitted. “I’m happy that we found a way to win when the situation didn’t allow us to play our game and we have to respect our opponent, but we found a way to win. It shows great mental strength in the team.”
Despite going into the final third chasing a 2–1 deficit, the Gunners came from behind thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Caldanti. Although Arsenal were chasing, Slagers said she knew the momentum would swing back in their favour.
“There was more recognition that we had pace and fresh players and I think the players felt that,” she explained. “The players talked about it so their mind was set on it, whatever the situation or situation, and they did it well today.”
After topping the group, Arsenal will now face one of Real Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg or Women’s Super League (WSL) opponents Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“It was mostly important for us to keep winning, that was the main goal,” Schlager stressed. “If we look at the eight teams advancing to the quarter-finals, they are all very good teams. Women’s football is developing so much that there is more quality spread and more teams. Either way it will be a big challenge.”
Arsenal fans have been in awe since Slagers took over the interim role, despite tasting defeat in 11 consecutive fixtures. Slagers expressed how she found being in charge in north-London a “very intense” experience.
“It’s a big club with big players, great players, great resources and facilities,” she added. “There was already such a big foundation, but I’ve learned a lot about what this role entails at a big club like Arsenal. I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve enjoyed working with the players and the staff. It’s been a great period. I’m happy for the team that we got this result.”
The club confirmed this month that Sledgers will remain interim head coach until Christmas. Slagers provided little clarity on her future as fans called for her permanent appointment.
“We had two objectives from this block, to stay within striking distance in the WSL and we moved up a spot,” she said. “To also qualify for the quarter-finals and, if we can, win the group, so we’re successful with both that is very strong. It’s been very intense as a team with a lot of challenges, we just need a break. And I’m sure I’ll talk to the club, but I also want to take a break.”
The Dutch coach confirmed he will be heading “back to Sweden and the Netherlands” for some well-deserved rest this Christmas.
