Former Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall appears set to return to the dugout, this time in the United States.
Reports indicate that the Swedish coach is close to securing a deal with NWSL side San Diego Wave, with an official announcement expected soon.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Jonas Eidevall, Manager of Arsenal, acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Eidevall, who left Arsenal in October after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, is reportedly in advanced talks with San Diego Wave.
Sources, including Dan Lauletta, suggest that negotiations are nearing their conclusion, while SanDiego.Futbol has claimed that the club is preparing to present Eidevall as their new head coach during the first week of December. The outlet noted, “Sources confirm former WSL Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall to be announced the new head coach for San Diego Wave. The club is expected to make the announcement during the first week of December.”
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Emma Hayes, Manager of Chelsea, walks away from Jonas Eidevall, Manager of Arsenal, following an altercation between the pair at the final whistle of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Molineux on March 31, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Eidevall stepped down from his role at Arsenal on 15 October, ending his tenure with immediate effect following a run of poor results. First team assistant coach Renée Slegers took over on an interim basis as Arsenal began the search for a new permanent head coach. The club backed Slegers to manage the team for the remainder of the transition period, stating, “We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”
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
Eidevall’s departure followed a series of disappointing performances, including a dour 0-0 draw with Everton, a heavy 5-2 defeat away to Bayern Munich, and a subsequent 2-1 loss to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. These results saw Arsenal struggling to make any meaningful impact, despite playing in front of large home crowds at the Emirates. The lacklustre start left the club languishing well below expectations, with Eidevall unable to lift his squad.
The Swedish coach’s time at Arsenal wasn’t without its highlights, though. Eidevall led Arsenal to two Women’s League Cup titles in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons and also managed a run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2022/23. However, a faltering start to the current campaign ultimately forced his resignation.
Under Slegers’ interim leadership, Arsenal have experienced a notable upturn in form, winning six out of seven matches while drawing 1-1 away to Manchester United. During that stretch, they have scored 20 goals and conceded just twice, a stark contrast to the performances under Eidevall earlier in the season.
Former Arsenal defender, and Manchester United manager, Casey Stoney, was fired by San Diego Wave in June after reportedly losing the dressing room after a winless run of seven games.
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