Arsenal Women have confirmed the full-time appointment of Renée Slegers as their Head Coach following her impressive run as interim boss. The Dutch coach took over on October 15, 2024, after the resignation of Jonas Eidevall, and has since led the Gunners to ten wins and one draw out of eleven matches, making her the standout choice for the position.
Slegers’ tenure began after Eidevall’s departure stemming from poor results early in the season. With Arsenal languishing at the bottom of the Women’s Super League standings, the club sought to stabilize their performance. Under her guidance, they not only competed but thrived, scoring 31 goals and conceding merely five. This remarkable achievement included five consecutive wins during the UEFA Women’s Champions League, propelling them to the quarter-finals as Group C winners.
“I’m so excited to be continuing our journeys together,” Slegers said after her permanent appointment was announced. “It’s a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach, and I have so much belief in what we can all achieve together.” Her enthusiasm is shared throughout the club, with Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley expressing delight over her appointment.
“Renée has excelled during her time as interim head coach,” Wheatley affirms. “She has led us to hugely impressive results and performances, which have galvanized both our team and supporters. We have undertaken thorough recruitment, and Renée was the stand-out candidate throughout the process.” This sentiment is echoed by Co-Chair Josh Kroenke, who pointed out the positive atmosphere she has created among the players.
Born in the Netherlands, Slegers has rich experience both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Before joining Arsenal as assistant coach, she had significant success at Swedish club Rosengård, where her leadership led to back-to-back Damallsvenskan titles from 2021 to 2022. Her career as a player includes memorable stints at Willem II, Djurgårdens, and Linköpings, alongside earning 55 caps for the Netherlands. Notably, she spent formative years at Arsenal’s academy, showcasing her long-standing connection to the club.
Slegers’ impressive interim record—a clean slate with one draw amid high-stakes challenges—raises expectations for the remainder of the season. Observers note her ability to revive slumping morale, as evidenced by the players’ dedicated spirit and the resounding support from fans. “It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process, and I want to thank you all for your support,” she expressed, demonstrating her commitment to fostering community and competitiveness within the team.
The excitement surrounding her appointment is palpable, and there's optimism for what lies ahead. With Arsenal aiming to reclaim their status among the top contenders, Slegers is determined to deliver inspiring performances leading to trophy victories. The upcoming matches, including their next challenge against Crystal Palace, will be imperative for testing their renewed strategy under Slegers’ leadership.
“We all have a big part to play in achieving this, and I’m hopeful we can deliver something beautiful,” Slegers concluded, firmly placing the desire for success at the forefront of her aspirations. The Gunners, bolstered by their new coach, will undoubtedly march forward with confidence as they gear up for the second half of the season and the promise of exhilarating football.