The midfielder believes City’s lighter schedule gives them an edge, even as Arsenal continue to fight on multiple fronts.
Mariona Caldentey has admitted Manchester City hold an advantage over Arsenal in the title race, with the midfielder pointing to the demands of the Champions League as the key difference between the sides.
Arsenal still have ground they can make up, and Caldentey made clear the fight is not over, but she was realistic about the advantage City carry by not having Champions League football.
“In the league against City, it’s tough; we have to fight until the end,” she told AS.
“We still have several games in hand, but the reality is that City, by not having Champions League football, has an advantage over the rest and is doing well.”
Her own role in helping Arsenal manage these demands has grown across the season. Used in a deeper, more central position, she said the shift reflects both what Renée Slegers wants from her and what her background in Spanish football allows her to offer in a league that often moves at a different speed.
“Yes, the way it’s played in Spain is unique and very difficult to replicate,” she said. “In a way, it gives us an advantage.
“That’s one of the reasons I stopped playing on the wing and moved more into the middle. Renée Slegers tells me to try to have the ball as much as possible and try to dictate the pace of the game.
“In England, it’s all very frantic, very up and down, and ultimately, the composure we Spaniards have… gives us something different that they don’t have, and I think that’s why it’s valued.
“I feel that at my club, Arsenal, from the management to the staff and the players, I feel very well supported, very backed, and with a lot of confidence,” she added.
“I’ve changed positions, I’ve had to learn new things that I’m still trying to improve, and in the end, you learn to try to grow. Football moves very fast. Very good people come in, very well prepared people.”
She also spoke about Spain’s match against England at Wembley on Tuesday evening, where qualification and first place in the group are the target.
“Our objective is clear: to qualify for the World Cup as soon as possible,” Caldentey said. “That means finishing first in our group and fighting for first place with England. Wembley is a beautiful stadium; we would love to win there and conquer it,” she said.
“This is a classic match between national teams. We’ve played many times in recent years, and the results have always been very close.”
England currently top the group on goal difference after two games, with both the Lionesses and Spain on six points.
On England, Caldentey added: “Sarina gives her players a lot of confidence. They all speak very highly of her and feel confident.
“I think they’ve had periods with a lot of absences, but right now they have a very dangerous generation.”
On her Arsenal teammate, Chloe Kelly, she added: “I can’t say anything bad about her; I think she’s an exemplary teammate.
“Then, on the field, she plays her role and does what she thinks is best for herself and her team. As a teammate, she’s great to have.”
England v Spain kicks off at Wembley on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, at 7pm.
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