_Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League at the semi-final stage after losing 3-1 to Lyon in France and losing the tie 4-3 on aggregate. A Renard penalty and a goal from Diani gave Lyon a first half advantage. Russo levelled the tie in the second half after a late winner from Jule Brand for Lyon. Renee Slegers spoke to the press post-match, the first two questions are from Arseblog News._
**On hers and the team’s emotions after losing by such a slender margin…**
Very disappointed. We came together in the huddle and I told the players that they work so hard, the way they go about it, how humble they are that I wish they got more out of this. When we scored to make it 2-1 we really wanted to go for the second one and felt we could, or at least get it to extra time. We were really close but we are disappointed. It is two really good teams going against each other. I think what we can bring to the game is unpredictability, fluidity and intelligence. What they can bring to a game is real technical quality, a low of power and physicality which they did really well today. They were really good today, they raised their levels from the first leg at the Emirates.
**On what changed in the second half after Lyon dominated the first 45 minutes…**
What we said is that we have the same scenario as we had at the Emirates, we are ok, we are in the game and only a goal down. We know we can come back and we know what we can bring in second halves from an endurance perspective. We can keep on going and we are used to the intensity of these games, so that is what we spoke about and there was some tactical detail too.
**On her thoughts on the first half penalty call by VAR…**
I haven’t watched it back but I thought the first half was very start stop. The game was not in a rhythm and at times that wasn’t an issue for us, to take some sting out of the game. I haven’t watched it back and we have to respect the decision and move on, that’s what we did.
**On picking her team up for Brighton away on Wednesday…**
On the flight home we let everyone be, give everyone space to manage themselves and their own emotions and thoughts. We are off tomorrow and then we are back in on Monday and we have to move on. We have a game on Wednesday that is very important for us at Brighton and we will make ourselves ready for Brighton.
**On Lyon’s threat from setpieces in the first half…**
We have different roles and responsibilities in our staff, we have a staff member who is looking at details on setpieces. While those changes are being addressed and communicated in the dressing room, I am looking at open play so I will have to come back to you! But obviously Lyon are very strong on setpieces with their height and physicality and quality of delivery, we knew that. It is frustrating to concede in that way but it is one of their super strengths.
**On Mariona and Smith coming off…**
We have a great squad like I always say, we have players that start and finish for us and we have tight schedules. I believe it is the right way to use the whole squad and different qualities. What Smilla can bring is exactly what she brought, her one v one and crossing detail, which got us back into the game. Vic is really active in between lines and spaces. She is good at short, central combinations so we thought those qualities and where the spaces and opportunities would be was going to be a good change.
14.van Domselaar; 2.Fox, 6.Williamson, 3.Wubben-Moy, 11.McCabe (18.Kelly ‘82); 10.Little(c), 8.Mariona (21.Pelova ‘69); 15.Smith (31.Holmberg ‘69), 23.Russo, 19.Foord; 25.Blackstenius (12.L.Maanum ‘82)
Subs: 5.L.Codina, 13.Votikova, 24.Hinds, 28.Borbe, 60.Dixon