Is Renee Slegers the answer to Arsenal's search for a new manager? | OneFootball

Arsenal have bounced-back since the resignation of former manager Jonas Eidevall, with interim head coach Renee Slegers leading the Gunners on a five game unbeaten run since her temporary appointment.

Recent victories have begged the question of whether or not Slegers should be considered for the permanent role.

The Gunners endured a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season, after a run of disappointing performances saw the side sitting on just five points after four games in the Women's Super League (WSL). The nail in the coffin came after consecutive defeats to both Bayern Munich and Chelsea, as head coach Jonas Eidevall handed in his resignation leaving the Reds without a leader ahead of an important block of fixtures .

Enter Renee Slegers. The former assistant took on the interim head coach role effective immediately, leading the side to a 4-1 victory over Valerenga and a 2-0 win over West Ham before the international break. Many fans pinned the victories down to the quality of opposition, or the 'new manager bounce', but recent performances beg the question of whether Slegers may actually just be the person for the job.

Arsenal stormed home to an emphatic 5-0 win over Brighton in the WSL last week, as five separate goal scorers tore apart the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium. The win was followed up with a stellar performance in Biella, as the Gunners triumphed to a 4-0 over Juventus in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Following the news that Nick Cushing has ruled himself out of the race to become the new manager, buzz has began to circulate as to whether Slegers could be a potential candidate.

As the optimism wave continues to crash over Arsenal fans, there are many things to consider when questioning whether Slegers is the right coach for the job. Firstly, her playing style is incredibly similar to the football Arsenal played under Eidevall. This resemblance in style should come as no surprise, considering the interim head coach worked as an assistant under Eidevall since September 2023.

The Gunners failed to capitalise on chances under Eidevall, yet have scored nine goals in two games under the similar managerial style of Slegers. The players appear to have gained a newfound confidence, with forwards like Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord testing their flair and creativity in ways they weren't doing before. Russo in particular has scored three goals in the last fortnight under Slegers, after failing to score in eight consecutive outings when Eidevall was in charge.

Slegers' tenure has also brought back some vintage style in the Arsenal players. In the game against Brighton in particular, signature goals were scored that will be sure to provide Arsenal fans with a warm wave of nostalgia.

In a moment that will bring back fond memories for both England and Arsenal fans alike, Beth Mead cut back on her left-foot before burying her shot into the bottom corner in true Mead fashion. Frida Maanum sunk a banger from outside of the box into the back of the net like we have seen her do many times before, and a trademark back-post finish from Foord reminded Arsenal fans of the glory days. It isn't just the fact that this team are scoring, it is the fact that each player seems to be getting their flair back.

So, was football ever the problem? It appears that the same Arsenal players are flourishing under the same system, the only difference being the person leading the ship.

Mead echoed this sentiment, expressing that "She [Slegers] hasn’t changed too much, she’s just given us all a bit of confidence, a bit of freedom. We’ve got a very good team of players and individuals and it is just starting to come together under her now.”

Slegers or not, one thing is certain, Arsenal must be certain of their new appointment if they are to hurriedly sign a new manager. Names of potential candidates continue to circulate the fanbase, and if the Gunners are to rush their decision, it could be far more detrimental than just seeing out the season with an interim head coach and making a solid decision in the summer.

Currently seven points adrift of table-toppers Manchester City in the league standings, Arsenal have all but kissed the WSL title goodbye. The side will require stability if they are to progress in the Champions League, and eyes will be firmly trained on securing a top-three finish in the WSL. Sticking with Slegers might be the best decision.