Arsenal Women head coach Renée Slegers spoke to the media at the Groupama Stadium on Friday before facing Olympique Lyonnais Féminin.
Here’s a condensed paraphrase of her key points:
Team news
The squad remains unchanged, with Chloe Kelly back involved.
Squad experience and balance
Slegers stressed that it’s not just about experience in big moments. The team benefits from a mix of youth and leadership, with younger players proving they’re ready while experienced figures guide the group daily. She noted the stat about the first-leg lineup being mostly 27+ as interesting but not something she had focused on.
Approach vs last season
She dismissed comparisons with last year, pointing out the completely different context, Arsenal were trailing then but lead 2-1 now. Her focus is on starting fresh and earning the result again from scratch.
Lyon’s returning players
She expects a strong contest between two deep squads. Lyon’s returning talents, including Melchie Dumornay and Selma Bacha, add to their strength, but both teams will rely on full-squad contributions.
Leah Williamson’s contract
Slegers welcomed Leah Williamson’s extension, praising her intelligence, leadership, and influence. She highlighted their strong working relationship and the player’s inspirational presence.
Enjoyment of the role
She said she enjoyed last season and continues to value her role, acknowledging both the rewards and challenges. Her focus is on appreciating the journey and staying present.
Team confidence
The squad is in a positive place, built on clarity of identity, humility, and respect—for themselves, opponents, and competitions. She emphasized staying grounded while preparing for a tough test.
Contract renewals
She described extensions as important for stability, giving both club and players clarity about the future, even within the short-term nature of football contracts.
Switching off
To manage the intensity, she prioritizes quiet time and balance at home, which she says has helped her stay focused and refreshed in recent months.
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