Renée Slegers has praised her Arsenal players who have ‘so much intelligence’ in problem solving to come from behind against Lyon.
The Gunners had gone a goal down against OL Lyonnes thank to a first half Jule Brand strike. However they rallied and scored twice after the break to ensure they travel to Lyon next weekend with a precious lead.
The Arsenal head coach was speaking after Arsenal beat record UEFA Women’s Champions League winners OL Lyonnes 2-1 in North London on Sunday.
Renée Slegers says both players and fans put ‘pressure’ on Lyon
Arsenal lost to OL Lyonnes at home earlier in the competition but today they righted that wrong. Slegers was asked to characterise the victory,
“We knew it was going to be tight game very strong opponent, we know we can bring things to games as well, which I think we did, especially second half” said Slegers.
“The answer is, which everyone is now expecting: It’s only half time!” Slegers retorted with a knowing grin. “We wanted to use the Emirates as an advantage which I think we did especially if you look at the second half.
“We put more pressure on Lyon to spend more time in their half. I think when we did that the fans went with us and so that was great that created good energy in the second half.”
Players and staff ‘collaboration on a really high level’ praises Slegers
One key theme of Arsenal under Slegers has been a focus on problem solving. With Arsenal a goal down after 18 minutes they needed to use all that experience to get back into the tie,
“I think there was already problem solving going on in the first half” said Slegers. “There was contact [with the players], Mel [Clarke-Reed] was down [on the touchline]. Aaron [D’Antonio] wasn’t down the side-line so there was there was contact between Leah [Williamson] and Mel about the press and how he could get more players engaged and get more pressure on them, which was so helpful and that continued at halftime.
“I think [it was] great work by the staff, putting plans together and being flexible with the pictures that are shown during the game. But then also acknowledging the quality that we have in the squad with players with so much intelligence, reading the game so well, feeling the game when they’re in it and then communicating that really well, so the collaboration is just on a really high level.”
Slegers was asked specifically about Arsenal’s problem solving ability in big games,
“When you play against top teams, they can do different things and they can ask you different questions” Slegers posited.
“They change, we change, and the opposite. So that’s a constant when you play your game. So that’s what we train a lot and what we think its important for the players to possess that quality, to be able to do that and I think we’re in a really good place with it.
“Then of course you want your plan to be good from the start but things and pictures change throughout the game, and that’s what happened today.”
Caitlin Foord ‘creates so many issues’ lauds Renée Slegers
This afternoon Arsenal had their best spells when the wide players were involved. With Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly out, Caitlin Foord and Olivia Smith had to step up and they did,
“We showed that we have a diversity of tools and diversity of player types and qualities that were bringing to the game today” Slegers said. “I think Foordy [Caitlin Foord] does so well. She creates so many issues. I think Lawrence is on the yellow card early in the game is because she’s physical and she’s good in her one v ones.
“Olivia [Smith] does well today as well. I think she played some different roles for us today, sometimes more inside, sometimes wider. And she did that really well and then she’s such an explosive player.
“So she falls a moment there and got the ball into the goal, which is not easy because she’s down. She has to get up quickly and get it into the net. I’m happy with the team in general and the wide forwards are doing really well.”
As for those wide players missing Slegers explained their absence,
“Beth [Mead] there’s no clear timeline” she said. “For Chloe [Kelly] it was a minor issue, so we’re very hopeful that she’s available for the second leg.” Slegers also confirmed that Steph Cately is unlikely to be fit for the second leg next weekend in France.
