Slegers proud of Arsenal's ‘mentality’ and ‘resilience’ despite difficulties in Champions League opener
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Renee Slegers, Manager / Head Coach of Arsenal with Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Arsenal FC and HB Koge Women at Meadow Park on September 22, 2026 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Renee Slegers spoke about a 1-0 win for Arsenal against Koge in the Champions League.
The Gunners had been disappointed by drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace and 1-1 with Manchester United in the last fortnight, hoping to turn up the heat in Europe against their Danish opposition.
·‘That's how we want to do things together as a squad’
There were eight changes from the starting eleven that the head coach chose for the contest with the Red Devils — of which one was Chloe Kelly. The attacker found the back of the net, but Stina Blackstenius was deemed to have been interfering with the play from an offside position.
For the most part, Arsenal failed to turn their ball dominance into sustained pressure and serious opportunities at Meadow Park, and a third successive stalemate was on the cards.
Fortunately for them, the depth of the squad saved the situation through the interventions of two substitutes.
Substitutes settle it late
Selina Cerci was tripped in the box, and Mariona Caldentey converted from twelve yards in second half stoppage time, giving the Gunners three much-needed points to kick off the European campaign.
“The three points and the mentality, resilience that we've been building to get late goals that are important for us. Again, a lot of dominance, but we don't get the goal.
“But like I said, the mentality and that's something we're going to bring into the season, that we can do things this way as well. And then we continue to work on football.
“There are all new teams starting today compared to last weekend. We have five players coming in, making their impact. I think Selina creates the penalty. Mariona scores the penalty, two players coming on. And that's what we're about. That's how we want to do things together as a squad and everyone having their impact. So, from that perspective, I'm really happy and really proud.
“Now we're going to get refreshed mentally, physically and then we go again.”
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci of Arsenal celebrate during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Arsenal FC and HB Koge Women at Meadow Park on September 22, 2026 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci of Arsenal celebrate during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Arsenal FC and HB Koge Women at Meadow Park on September 22, 2026 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)