Arsenal’s interim head coach Renée Slegers says that her side will not underestimate Aston Villa when they contest their latest Barclays Women’s Super League fixture this weekend.
The Gunners face The Villans at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon in-front of another bumper crowd.
Aston Villa have already performed well against Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United this season and Arsenal’s interim boss Slegers says that the Midlands club cannot be underestimated this weekend.
“I think Aston Villa are a great team,” Slegers said. “If you look at their results, it’s been one goal difference except for the Brighton game. They always make it hard for their opponents and like us, they have strong game-changers that they bring into the game. They’re also strong at the end of the game, so I think it’s a game we don’t want to underestimate.
“I think it’s a very strong opponent, every opponent is strong in the WSL. It’s been developing massively, Aston Villa in particular, so it’s going to be a good opponent that we face on Sunday.”
Arsenal are playing the vast majority of their home games at the Emirates Stadium this season and Slegers says that the fans can play a huge part in N7 again on Sunday.
She said “There’s an energy in the group and there’s an energy in the stands as well. Energy to energy brings more energy, so I think we try to make each other stronger. I know how much it means for the players stepping out onto the pitch, seeing the fans, hearing the songs. I think everyone’s looking forward to playing on Sunday at the Emirates.”
Slegers has been Arsenal’s interim head coach since mid-October. The Dutchwoman is more than happy to continue to lead the team for as long as her services are needed.
She said “Like I’ve said before, I’m happy to contribute to the team. I was really happy in the role I was contributing to before and now I’m stepping in, doing this but I think we’re such a big group of people, doing a really good job as players and staff, I want to highlight everyone.
“I enjoy the role, I enjoy the other role, I enjoy the togetherness at Arsenal at the moment.”
Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa kicks-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
About The Author
Daniel Pentland
I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.
I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.