Arsenal Women coach Jonas Eidevall has resigned following the club’s poor start to the season.
The Swede has spent over three years at the Emirates, during which time he led them to two League Cup successes.
However, last week’s 5-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and Saturday’s 2-1 loss at home to WSL title rivals Chelsea prompted a wave of criticism which led to his decision to quit this morning.
Club statement: Jonas Eidevall
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 15, 2024
Assistant coach Renee Slegers will take over on an interim basis.
Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.
“We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women. We all wish him the very best for the future.
“Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new head coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”
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Caldentey joined from Barcelona
Arsenal have recruited heavily over the past few months, including Spanish World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey, who joined from Barcelona in July.
Her addition to a squad that includes Lionesses Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo, meant Arsenal were expected to provide a serious test to WSL champions Chelsea but it has not materialised.
Draws with Manchester City and, most damagingly, Everton either side of a 1-0 win at Leicester City were frustrating but the manner of the weekend defeat to Chelsea set alarm bells ringing.
They have not impressed in the Champions League either.
Eidevall’s squad did progress through to the Group phase but only after having to come back from a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Swedish side Hacken.
This was Jonas Eidevall’s last interview as Arsenal manager.#BBCFootball #WSL pic.twitter.com/reptpBPCwx
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 15, 2024
Wheatley confident in Slegers
Arsenal director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jonas for his hard work and dedication to Arsenal Football Club over the past three years.
“Jonas has brought us back-to-back trophies in the last two seasons, together with many memorable moments on the pitch.
“We wish Jonas and his family the best of health, happiness and success for the future.
“We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”
