Slegers: ‘We know that it will come and we know how good we are’
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Renee Slegers, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Barclays Women's Super League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on September 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Renee Slegers is not afraid of increasing pressure on Arsenal ahead of their contest with Paris FC.
A testing start to the season
The Gunners earned a narrow 1-0 win to kick off their domestic campaign against Brighton before dropping four points in a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace and a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
A second-half stoppage-time penalty was required to defeat Koge in the Champions League, then the side suffered their first loss of the campaign on derby day against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
‘It's about that final goal’
There is an abundance of talent and names in the squad, so Slegers is sure it is only a matter of time until things click into place. But she knows she must play her part in trying to speed up that process.
“Top game I think on Sunday. Two really strong teams against each other. I think we did a lot of really good things up until the [ Chelsea ] goal. We have a more difficult phase at the start of the second half and then towards the end of the game we look to force it. But it is more open towards the end.
“We can take a lot of positives in the performance from that first 30-40 minutes that we definitely want to continue to build on because I think we dominate in many ways, we put pressure on in many ways and we are close. We all know that. The football that we can play, the aggression that we can have on the pitch out of possession. It's about that final goal.
“I think confidence is a word that's used a lot. I think it's something that fluctuates. But of course, football is very much a mental game as well. I definitely think the same when the first one comes [we will continue to score]. We know the qualities that we possess and how good this team is.
Belief inside the Arsenal group
“At the moment, it's difficult, of course, but we all believe and I'm really proud of the group as well, how they've been these last couple of weeks. They're so grounded, looking forward, looking for solutions, very high belief, very high support. We know that it will come and we know how good we are when we're unleashed.
“I see what we’re doing every single day, I see what the players are doing, the quality that they have, the investment that they show, the closeness of where we are, it’s very close. I think just the daily things, the daily conversations with the players, the training sessions, the meetings, everything, they’ve been amazing.
“Of course we saw it differently at the start of the season, but like I said, the way they’ve managed it and everyone here has been really positive, so that’s what’s given me a lot of energy and belief.”