The pair are vying for top spot in the final Champions League group-stage match
Stanway will face English stars including Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson
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By TARA ANSON-WALSH
Published: 11:41 EST, 17 December 2024 | Updated: 11:41 EST, 17 December 2024
Bayern Munich's Georgia Stanway has praised Arsenal's recent upturn in form, as both teams vie for the top spot in their final Women's Champions League group-stage clash at Meadow Park tomorrow night.
Arsenal have a spring in their step as they head into the New Year third in the WSL table and already through to the Champions League knock-out rounds, with interim manager Renee Slegers having led them on an 11-game unbeaten run.
Since Jonas Eidevall's departure in October, Arsenal have notably improved their ability to grind out results, overcoming the issues that marked the latter stages of the Swedish coach's reign – specifically, their struggles to break down low blocks and their lack of confidence in front of goal.
Stanway, 25, has praised the rejuvenated Arsenal side, which includes several of her close friends and Lionesses teammates including Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, and Leah Williamson, all of whom were part of the Euro 2022-winning squad alongside her.
She said: 'I think when a new manager comes in you always get a new lease of life, it's almost like you just get energised and you've got a point to prove.
'I feel like the Arsenal girls have done that. And to be honest it's really good to see from the outside.'
Bayern Munich's Georgia Stanway has praised Arsena 's recent upturn in form
Arsenal have a spring in their step as they head into the New Year third in the WSL table
Renee Slegers having led them on an 11-game unbeaten run as interim manager of the Gunners
Stanway singled out Williamson and Russo, who both look to have benefitted from the change of regime and a return to confidence - 'I'm so happy that Leah's coming into good form.
'I'm so happy that Alessia is scoring goals. As a Lioness, those are the things that I want to happen.
'I'm happy that Arsenal have got back their way of playing because I do think they're a really good side and tomorrow is going to be a really tough game.'
Stanway's Bayern sits one point above Arsenal in their Champions League group, and with the two already qualified for the quarter-finals, tomorrow night will dictate which team will come out on top and potentially see an easier route to the final.
Reflecting on what it's like being pitted against her Lionesses teammates, Stanway said: 'It's a little bit weird, but I kind of like it.
'It's really nice to see them after the game, and we know that what happens in the game won't affect who we are, won't affect the friendships that we've got, and it's just about going out, doing our best, enjoying it, enjoying the game, and then afterwards we can have a good conversation.'
Away from the Champions League, Sarina Wiegman's trusted midfielder reflects on England's difficult draw for next summer's Euros, with debutants Wales, the Netherlands and France all joining the Lionesses in group D.
Stanway singled out Leah Williamson for praise, saying she's 'happy she's coming into good form'
She also had a good word for Alessia Russo who looks to have benefitted from regime change
'We're England, we're always going to get the hardest group,' Stanway said. 'That's kind of how it's worked out the past few draws. But it's a Euros and you don't know what's going to happen. You don't know what teams are capable of.
'We've just got to keep working on ourselves. That's what we've been doing over the last 12 months.
'We've had some good results, some bad results. We've had some good learning opportunities. I think definitely the last camp was really influential to us.
'It just gave us a good feeling off the back of it. It's just about moving forward now. The draw is the draw and we've got Champions League to play and a season to play and then deal with the Euros when it comes to that in the summer.'