Renée Slegers discusses her Arsenal future following 4-2 defeat vs Manchester City
Fair to say, the start to this season has been nothing short of catastrophic for Arsenal. On Sunday, despite leading through both Liam Baum and then Alessia Russo, a late capitulation saw the Gunners beaten 4-2 by Manchester City at the Etihad.
Arsenal had been unbeaten in 20 Women's Super League matches but, following last Sunday's loss at Stamford Bridge, have now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since May 2025. This followed on from successive home draws with Crystal Palace and Manchester United, as well as Wednesday's disastrous 2-2 draw with Paris FC in the Champions League, 2-0 up and cruising, only to throw the points away at the death at Stade Jean-Bouin.
At the start of the season, Arsenal kicked off with the stated objective of winning a first WSL title since 2019. Now however, after only five matches, they are already ten points below the leaders, currently in tenth place, and Champions League qualification already looks in serious jeopardy.
As we enter the international break, serious questions are being asked of under-fire manager Renée Slegers. Asked about this during her post-match press conference at the Etihad, this is what the 37 year old had to say:
All I know so far, the last couple of days we’ve been together as a club and a team. Of course this result is disappointing but I’m here. I’m full of energy. I care a lot for the club, the players. I see perspective. It’s been consistently about margins. We have to get them on our side. I believe we will. It’s been a long run without the results that we wanted. It’s not about me, it’s about the club.Renée Slegers
When asked later what Slegers will be doing during the international break, the head coach stated that she and her staff will conduct a "full review of the season so far". However, it is not currently guaranteed that she will be on the touchline when the Gunners are next in action against Birmingham City at Emirates Stadium on 17 October.
Slegers has been in charge since October 2024, instantaneously turning things around after a miserable start to the campaign under Jonas Eidevall. Back then, the Gunners won only two of their first six WSL matches, which is actually a better return than their form now.
By the end of that season, Slegers had led Arsenal to Champions League glory in Lisbon, also picking up the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup title last December. Thus, her place in Arsenal history in cemented forever, but will he reign be part of Arsenal history? We'll have to wait and see.
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