Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers insists that her squad is heading in “a really good direction” despite recent controversy surrounding the side.
The Gunners coach was keen to downplay the reports in the media which criticised the dressing room atmosphere. This came after an article in The Athletic suggested that there have been rising tensions within the walls of the club following, and prior to, the side’s historic Champions League feat. Slegers cited there is always outside noise in a high-performance environment and is confident with proceedings internally.
“There is noise and there was an article but that it all on the outside”, Slegers explained. “We know what we’re doing on the insides and it’s a high-performance environment. So, it’s, it’s a very challenging environment. We demand a lot of things from each other, and it should be like that.I think if you go and have a look in in any place internally, you see some really, really good things going on, but I think every group of people will have things that they have to manage and get to.
“I am very positive about where we are at. I can say that full-heartedly because I’m on the inside and I see what’s happening. I’m happy with the squads.I think they deserve to be backed for everything they do. So we are in a process, I believe, in the process and we’re going in a really good direction. So, it’s unfortunate that there’s noise on the outside, but there will be noise on the outside”.
When pressed on her overall emotions after seeing the report and whether she was disappointed by it, Slegers stood firm.
“I didn’t feel much,” the head coach admitted. “I don’t normally read media, but I have to be across certain things, so I read it and I’m not too emotional, to be honest. Like I just said, because I think we have such clarity in what we’re doing here. I don’t agree with it, and it’s unfortunate that this is what’s written about us whilst we’re doing so many good things, and a lot of people invested in the process”.
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Leah Williamson and Kim Little set to return against Liverpool
Speaking ahead of the game, a rejuvenated Slegers was able to bring some positive team news, as she confirmed that both Kim Little and long-term absentee Leah Williamson will be involved in the squad on Saturday.
“Both Kim and Leah will be in the squad tomorrow”, Slegers confirmed. “It’s really positive news. They have been training with the squad, and they’ve both been good, which is really positive”.
The Arsenal head coach did confirm however that both Chloe Kelly and Daphne van Domselaar will be unavailable for the game, with both players expected to be out until the new year. Chloe Kelly was withdrawn from England’s friendly against Ghana, whilst Daphne van Domselaar wasn’t called up to the Dutch squad.
“To give some clarity, they won’t be available”, Slegers continued. “She [van Domselaar] has been managing a quad issue and needs an injection so won’t be available for the block. Kelly came back with an injury, a little ligament issue in the back of her knee, so also won’t be available, and I don’t expect her to be available for the rest of the block”.
Slegers did also confirm that neither Little or Williamson is in the position to play a full ninety minutes, with Little aiming to complete more minutes than Williamson who has been out of an action for significantly longer.
Slegers says Arsenal looking to ‘dominate’ proceedings against Liverpool
The Gunners will now turn their attention towards a Women’s Super League meeting with Liverpool, who currently sit in the last spot of the table. Arsenal too have work to do, occupying fourth spot with eight points seperating themselves and league leaders Manchester City.
“They have had close results”, Slegers said of Liverpool, despite their winless record. “For example, against Chelsea, how they put Chelsea under pressure, I think Chelsea had a hard time getting out of their own half.
“So, I think they’ll probably pride themselves, Liverpool, on their defensive structure and putting even the top teams under pressure, and I think they do that well. They did that well in that game, they will be missing some players tomorrow I think, but I think their structure is strong. So they will really put questions to us, especially in their defensive structure, what they can do when they get a little bit lower on the pitch, how they will try to counter-attack us, we will have to manage those moments well… We pride ourselves on dominating things and creating opportunities.”
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Slegers lauds ‘world-class’ Alessia Russo
After a successful week for many of the Arsenal players after collecting many personal accolades – Michelle Agyemang won the 2025 Golden Girl Award, whilst Leah Williamson won the 2025 Golden Girl –The Halfway Linewanted to focus on the impact of Alessia Russo.
Russo also was rewarded for her year, winning the FSA Player of the Year. We asked Slegers on how impressed she has been with Russo over the past year, and how her development has made her a pivotal figure in the team.
“I think Alessia is at the forefront”, Slegers stated when discussing the development of players.“So, I understand that you see it and I’m happy that everyone sees it, because everything she does is investment in herself, it’s an investment in the team, it’s positive, it’s constructive, it’s hard work, it’s everything you want from an athlete, and I think she’s such a world-class player. She’s played different roles for us as well”.
“Everything that she does off the pitch means the world. That a world-class player like Alessia cares so much for her teammates, is so humble and respectful towards staff members that are helping her and supporting her. There’s so many things, her work ethic, her willingness to learn. I think she’s such a good role model for all the others. It’s amazing to see and she deserves all the rewards”.
Arsenal vs Liverpool kicks off at 12:00 GMT, with it being shown live on Sky Sports Premier League (UK viewers only).