Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers has lauded an Arsenal performance that put her side ‘one step closer to being history makers.’
The Gunners made the inaugural final of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Wednesday night after a comprehensive 6-0 victory over AS FAR in West London. The result means they will face Corinthians in the final at Arsenal Stadium on Sunday.
Renée Slegers spoke to the media following the victory and The Halfway Line were present to hear from her.
Renée Slegers praises AS FAR for ‘inspiring young girls’
While AS FAR were defeated against Arsenal, they were supported by a feverish fan base on the day, with plenty of seasoned campaigners lining up for the side. Slegers paid tribute to AS FAR,
“First of all, compliments to the opposition. The way they represented Morocco and being champions of Africa was very inspirational.
“They’re inspiring many people, particularly young girls, to see the opportunities of playing football.”
Renée Slegers says Arsenal had to ‘earn the right’ to play in the final
Arsenal ran out comfortable winners on the night thanks to goals from Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey, Olivia Smith and a brace from Alessia Russo. Slegers delivered her assessment of a satisfying performance,
“I’m really happy with with our performance” Slegers beamed.
“There’s new partnerships on the pitch, [the] partnerships change on the pitch during the game, but the players that dealt so well with with the unknown because it’s the first time we played against them, and so I’m really happy with that.
“We are very together at the moment. We’re connected on the pitch. We’re doing things with a lot of discipline, and I’m happy that we get to six goals as well, and five different goalscorers.”
Slegers spoke about her pleasure that Arsenal did not get ahead of themselves today,
“We had to earn the right today, and that’s what I’m very proud of” said Slegers.
“We had to do the basics really well. We had to be very humble tonight about every action on the pitch.
“We had to earn the right, because we couldn’t be thinking about the final yet or the next game in the weekend, but now we’ve earned the right to play the final, and that’s one step closer to being history makers, and that’s what we want to be.
“But again, very respectful of Corinthians and what they did against Gotham, very impressive. So it’s going to be a tough game.”
Slegers excited for final between ‘two hungry teams’
Earlier in the day Corinthians had stunned Gotham FC 1-0 to make the final of the competition. Slegers was asked for her perception of women’s football in Brazil and Corinthians themselves,
“Yeah, I’m happy to hear that there’s so much passion around it in Brazil, [in] South America” Slegers replied.
“I think that says everything about how women’s football is growing everywhere on the world. I think we are very proud to represent England [and] Europe in this competition.
“So we are very passionate about it ourselves, and I know the fans are always behind us as well. So there will definitely be two very passionate, engaged and active fans in the stands and two engaged and active and hungry teams on the pitch.
“So I look forward to the occasion. I’m impressed with [their] win earlier today, how they dealt with different phases in the game, how they got that win late and then how they manage the game later on.
“So discipline, [and] a team with a lot of passion and hunger and desire. And of course, they are representing what it means for the country as well. So you can see that in the way they [are] representing themselves on the pitch. So really impressive.
“I’ve just watched that game, but now, of course, I’m going to go and dig deeper into Corinthians and build a game plan.”
Slegers lauds ‘hungry’ and ‘engaged’ Chloe Kelly
One of Arsenal’s marquee signings in the summer was Lioness, Chloe Kelly. However since signing, Kelly has struggled with injury. Slegers was asked to comment on Kelly after the winger made her return off the bench against AS FAR,
“She’s been out quite a while, we’ve missed her” admitted Slegers.
“She’s been working really hard to get it right and to be fully fit and available and to be at her very, very best when she’s back. And she was determined and she’s back now.
“You can see the moment she’s been with us in training the engagement of her on the one On one basis with me, with other players and in team meetings: She’s so hungry.
“She’s so engaged. You could see today on the pitch as well. It’s so good to have her back. She wanted to be back and make an impact in the team, and you can just feel that desire. And yeah, so it’s really good for us as a team to have Chloe back.”
