"Eight months on from their historic UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) victory, Arsenal have been less than convincing. This season they have lost or drawn key games, both in the Women's Super League (WSL) and Europe, and sit third in the league, eight points off leaders Manchester City, while they have to contend with a two-legged playoff against OH Leuven in February to reach the quarterfinals after failing to finish in the top four of the UWCL's new league phase."
"The former academy player was initially appointed in January 2025, following a spell as interim head coach after former manager Jonas Eidevall left the club in October 2024. From then, Arsenal went on an 11-game unbeaten streak and ended up second in the WSL, their highest finish in three years, before the gamble on the young coach truly paid off in Lisbon when the club lifted the Champions League trophy by beating Barcelona."
"Slegers' contract was set to expire this coming summer and while it was not a question of whether she was the right candidate, the focus was on renewing player contracts first. But now she has committed her future until 2029, the real test will be whether she can turn the side into consistent force that moves them closer to their ambitions."
Arsenal won the UEFA Women's Champions League eight months ago but have been inconsistent since. The team has lost or drawn key matches in the Women's Super League and Europe and currently sits third, eight points behind leaders Manchester City. Arsenal must play a two-legged playoff against OH Leuven in February to reach the UWCL quarterfinals after failing to finish in the top four of the competition's new league phase. Head coach Renee Slegers signed a new 3½-year contract extending her stay until 2029. Slegers oversaw an 11-game unbeaten run, finished second in the WSL, and led the side to the Champions League title. The club needs to make improvements behind the scenes to help her build consistent success.
Read at ESPN.com
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