Is Renee Slegers the answer to Arsenal’s search for a new manager?

Arsenal have bounced back since the resignation of former manager Jonas Eidevall, with interim manager Renee Slegers leading the Gunners on a five-game winless run since her temporary appointment.

Recent wins have raised the question of whether or not Slegers should be considered for the permanent role.

The Gunners have endured a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season, following a string of disappointing performances that saw the team sit on just five points after four games into the season. Women’s Super League (WSL). The nail in the coffin came after back-to-back defeats to both Bayern Munich and Chelsea as manager Jonas Eidevall submitted his resignation leaving the Reds leaderless ahead of an important block of games.

Enter Renee Slegers. The former assistant took on the role of interim head coach with immediate effect, leading the aa side Victory by 4-1 at Valerenga and a 2-0 win at West Ham before the international break. Many fans put the wins down to the quality of the opposition or the ‘new manager’s bounce’, but recent performances raise the question of whether Slegers can really be the man for the job.

arsenal stormed home with an emphatic 5-0 win over Brighton in the WSL last week when five different goalscorers tore apart the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium. The win was followed by a stellar performance in Biella as the Gunners triumphed aa 4-0 against Juventus in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Following the news that Nick Cushing has ruled himself out of the race to become the new manager, rumors have started to circulate as to whether Slegers could be a potential candidate.

As the wave of optimism continues to crash over Arsenal fans, there is much to consider when questioning whether Slegers is the right manager for the job. Firstly, his style of play is incredibly similar to the football Arsenal played under Eidevall. This similarity in style should come as no surprise, considering the interim head coach worked as an assistant under Eidevall since September 2023.

The Gunners were unable to capitalize on Eidevall’s chances but have scored nine goals in two games under Slegers’ similar management style. The players seem to have gained new confidence, with forwards like Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord testing their talent and creativity in a way they haven’t before. Russo, in particular, has scored three goals in the last fortnight with Slegers, after failing to score in eight consecutive outings when Eidevall was in charge.

Slegers’ tenure has also brought back a vintage style to Arsenal’s players. In the game against Brighton, in particular, some iconic goals were scored that are sure to give Arsenal fans a warm wave of nostalgia.

In a moment that will bring back fond memories for both England and Arsenal fans, Beth Mead cut back onto her left foot before burying her shot into the bottom corner the Mead way. Frida Maanum smashed a strike from outside the box into the back of the net, as we’ve seen her do many times before, and a signature finish from the back of Foord reminded Arsenal fans of the glory days. It’s not just the fact that this team is scoring goals, it’s the fact that every player seems to be getting their style back.

So was football the problem? The same Arsenal players seem to be flourishing under the same system, the only difference being the person leading the ship.

Mead echoed that sentiment, expressing that “She (Slegers) hasn’t changed too much, she’s just given us all a little bit of confidence, a little bit of freedom. We have a really good team of players and individuals and it’s just they’re starting to come together under her now.”

Slegers or not, one thing is for sure, Arsenal need to be sure of their new appointment if they want to hire a new manager in a hurry. The names of potential candidates continue to circulate among the fanbase, and if the Gunners want to rush their decision, it could be far more damaging than just seeing out the season with an interim manager and making a solid decision in the summer.

Currently seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City in the league standings, Arsenal have all but waved goodbye to the WSL title. The team will need stability to progress in the Champions League, and eyes will be trained on a top-three finish in the WSL. Staying with Slegers could be the best decision.

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