Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has hailed the consistency of centre-back Steph Catley after the Australian [extended her contract for two more years](https://arseblog.news/2026/04/steph-catley-signs-new-arsenal-contract-3/) this week.
Catley is an integral part of the team under Slegers, who moved Catley from left-back to left centre-half for her second game in charge, where Steph has played pretty much ever since.
Asked by Arseblog News whether the player’s acclimatisation to the centre-back role surprised her, Slegers explained, ‘I think you have to stay open-minded. I think you have to see what’s happening in front of you. I remember the moment well. It was West Ham away and Steph stepped in as centre-back for the first time.
‘She did so well and she never left. I think she played maybe some minutes in the full-back position since then. She’s been there and she’s been so good. I think that’s who Steph is. She’s so consistent. You know what you can expect from Steph.
‘I think she’s intelligent, so she can play different roles under the pitch. Depending on, even if you start in a certain position, what’s asked of you in that position. She’s done that really well. We’re really happy and delighted that Steph chose to continue her Arsenal journey with us.’
Meanwhile, Slegers was also asked about the contract situations of Beth Mead and Katie McCabe with [reports emerging that the pair are set to join Manchester City](https://arseblog.news/2026/04/mccabe-and-mead-set-for-manchester-city-move-next-season/) when their contracts expire this summer.
‘My biggest respect is going to those players. I love working with them. They’re both top professionals, very intelligent players. They bring a lot to the group, a lot of energy and leadership in their own ways with their own personality.
‘I love working with them and I’m fully focused on the here and now and trying to achieve as much as possible with those players in the squad. Unfortunately, Bethany is not with us because of personal reasons at the moment.
‘But they mean so much to the team. They mean so much to me as well. I just want to focus on the here and now and what we can achieve together.’ The Gunners play Leicester City at Emirates Stadium in the WSL on Wednesday evening.