Renée Slegers spoke to the media on Wednesday as her Arsenal side prepare to face Manchester City for the second time in a week. A thrilling Barclays Women’s Super League clash between the two on Sunday ended in a 3-4 Arsenal win, but on Thursday they meet again for a place in the Subway Women’s League Cup final.
The manager updated reporters on team news, the mood in camp – and Vivianne Miedema’s return to Meadow Park.
What did Renée Slegers say?
The final on 15th March could be Slegers’ chance to lift her first trophy as head coach, after being permanently appointed in January. “We’re very aware of what kind of game we’re going to play tomorrow and what it could mean for us, so we look forward to it. It means a lot, we want to go for trophies, so we know what the game means and we look forward to it.
Embed from Getty Images“This game is huge for us, it’s very important. We want to compete in all four competitions, and that’s what we’re doing at the moment, and we want to stay in there. So tomorrow, it’s a knockout game, and we want to win that game tomorrow to go to the final.”
Sunday’s 3-4 Arsenal win was an incredibly tight affair. The Gunners took a 0-2 lead within ten minutes before being pegged back by Mary Fowler before halftime. The second half saw Miedema’s equaliser followed immediately by Frida Maanum putting Arsenal back ahead. Fowler levelled again with a penalty before Stina Blackstenius sealed all three points for Arsenal in the 78th minute.
If that encounter is anything to go by, could the semi-final be heading for penalties?
“Well if I knew that, then that would be great and I could plan for the scenario! It’s going to be a very tight game. It’s two top teams. We came away from Manchester winning the game, but we are very humble with both feet on the ground. We know that City is going to come to Borehamwood and is going to want to do something different.
“I think they are happy with the three goals they scored and not happy with the four conceded, so I think they will come and change things and make it even harder for us and try to exploit us as well, so it’s going to be a hard game. But we are looking good and humble but also confident about the game tomorrow.”
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother headline tomorrow will be Vivianne Miedema’s return to Meadow Park. The Dutchwoman scored 125 goals in 172 appearances for the Gunners before moving to City this summer. She has since scored in both her appearances against them in blue, including at the Emirates in September 2024.
“I think it’s amazing to see how strong the bond was between the fans and former players. There was something built and it meant a lot for the player and for the fans, which is fantastic to see. Obviously I respect Viv a lot for what she’s done for Arsenal. I played with her as well, so I hope she gets a great reception tomorrow and I’m just happy that that’s the respectful way that we treat each other between players and fans.”
In his own preview, Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor said his side don’t currently have the squad to compete in all four competitions. Key players such as Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp are out.
Slegers said: “I think they have great players, fantastic players in their squad. They’ve suffered from some injuries of course with a couple of players not available at the moment, but that’s up to them to comment on and have thoughts about. I think, looking at the players they have and the players they’ll have on the pitch tomorrow, it will be a very strong squad.”
Embed from Getty ImagesOn team news, she said; “No new injuries or illnesses. Everyone who was available on Sunday will be available tomorrow. Caitlin Foord is back in contention and Katie McCabe is back from suspension [due to a straight red card against Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League]. Lina Hurtig is recovering from a muscle injury.” Due to loan restrictions, Chloe Kelly – who joined Arsenal on loan from City on deadline day – is ineligible.
Finally, Slegers commented on Manchester City’s statement on the abuse Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to after last Sunday’s game. The club said they were “appalled” by the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at the striker, adding: “Bunny has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them.
“An investigation will follow, and the club offers our full support to Bunny following the disgusting treatment she’s received.”
Slegers said:“There shouldn’t be room for that in women’s football, and not in the world in general. And I think that Bunny is a fantastic player, she deserves all the support, and I don’t think there should be any room for that in the game or in the world.”
Arsenal v Manchester City kicks off at 19:00 on Thursday at Meadow Park.
