Arsenal could name new manager before Crystal Palace game

Arsenal seem likely announce to their new women’s team manager before their Women’s Super League fixture against Crystal Palace on 19 January.

Among the frontrunners is interim head coach Renée Slegers, whose impressive tenure since Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in October has seen Arsenal go unbeaten.

DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Renee Slegers, Interim Manager of Arsenal claps after the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at Chigwell Construction Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Jaimi Joy/Getty Images) — Photo by Jaimi Joy/Getty Images

Arsenal’s search for a permanent successor to Jonas Eidevall is nearly over, with the club expected to finalise the appointment before their Women’s Super League match against Crystal Palace on 19 January.

Among the candidates is interim head coach Renée Slegers, who has overseen a remarkable 10 wins from 11 unbeaten games since stepping in after Eidevall’s resignation in October.

Slegers, 35, has transformed Arsenal’s form, steering them to third place in the WSL and earning December’s WSL Manager of the Month award.

Renée Slegers in the frame as Arsenal Women’s search for manager nears end The Guardian (USA)10 Jan 2025Tom Garry Renée Slegers with her WSL manager of the month award at Arsenal training this week. Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images Arsenal’s interim head coach, Renée Slegers, is among the candidates in the final round of interviews as the club’s recruitment of a permanent successor to Jonas Eidevall nears its conclusion. The Dutchwoman has overseen 10 wins from 11 unbeaten matches since stepping into the role after Eidevall’s resignation on 15 October. According to multiple sources, Arsenal could conclude their recruitment process before their next Women’s Super League fixture, at home to Crystal Palace, a week on Sunday. Slegers is preparing the side to host Bristol City in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round this Sunday and has never ruled herself in or out when asked in press conferences. The process to replace Eidevall is understood to have involved interviewing numerous coaches from around the world, with senior figures at the club feeling the strong form under Slegers has meant they are in safe hands to allow for an extensive and thorough search. Arsenal declined to comment on the recruitment process. Slegers, 35, is a former Netherlands international midfielder and had been part of Arsenal’s backroom team since 2023. She has previously managed clubs including the Swedish side Rosengård. On Thursday Slegers was named as the WSL’s manager of the month for December. Arsenal fans have been calling for her to be appointed on a longerterm basis and her work has drawn praise from broadcast pundits. At full time after the win at Liverpool on 15 December, the travelling Arsenal fans were singing Slegers’ name. Arsenal are third in the WSL, seven points behind the leaders, Chelsea. They finished in that position last season under Eidevall, who was named as the head coach of San Diego Wave on Tuesday and said his departure from Arsenal had been needed to lift “a cloud” over the club. Article Name:Renée Slegers in the frame as Arsenal Women’s search for manager nears end Publication:The Guardian (USA) Author:Tom Garry Start Page:55 End Page:55 — The Guardian (USA) 10 January 2025

Known for her tactical acumen, the former Netherlands international and ex-manager of Rosengård has not ruled herself in or out of the running during press engagements.

According to The Guardian (USA edition) Arsenal’s recruitment process has been extensive, involving candidates from around the globe. Senior club figures reportedly felt that Slegers’ successful interim spell allowed for an “extensive and thorough search”.

The club have declined to comment on their process, but sources indicate a decision is imminent.

Slegers is currently preparing her squad for Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Bristol City, and most fans are hoping the club offers her the job permanently.