Arsenal have the perfect combination of belief and proof – Slegers

Renee Slegers explained how she turned Arsenal’s fortunes around by combining belief with real-world evidence.

Slegers took over from Jonas Eidevall in October, initially on an interim basis.

She immediately got the Gunners back on track, and was then handed the job on a permanent deal.

Under Slegers, Arsenal have taken 37 Women’s Super League points, which is only two fewer than quadruple-hunting Chelsea have achieved in that same time.

Arsenal are six points behind the Blues ahead of facing Leicester City on Tuesday, and like Chelsea, the Gunners have a Women’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon to look forward to following an extraordinary comeback against Real Madrid in the quarters.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Slegers explained the formula behind her success.

“We did a lot at the start about our culture and behaviours,” she said.

“That actually went quicker than I expected. We’ve been organically developing our game as a result of that.

“The biggest win has been the way the squad takes ownership. They have been so determined to bring something more.

“Their mindset was so good those first couple of months and they were so eager to work together to make things better. I’m so pleased it went in that direction.

“What the fans bring at the Emirates, it gives us an extra edge.”

Renée on the power of our incredible home support

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 15, 2025

“First we built belief upon proof. We’ve found the perfect combination of belief by proving we can do things, and trust that we know we can achieve something more.

“We use those special moments – fighting back against West Ham, coming from behind against Liverpool, beating Real Madrid – as examples and keep on reinforcing them.”

Arsenal are the leading scorers in the WSL this term, with 49 goals, and they are handed a whopping 85% win probability ahead of their match with Leicester.

After Tuesday’s game, their focus will then turn to Saturday’s Champions League clash with European heavyweights Lyon.

Arsenal have won just one of their six Champions League matches against Lyon (D1 L4), are unbeaten on all seven on their trips to face English sides in the competition.