New Delhi: Arsenal have confirmed that Jonas Eidevall has resigned from his role as Arsenal’s women’s head coach after a difficult start to the 2024-25 season. The team sits at the sixth spot in the Women’s Super League (WSL) standings. The Gunners have struggled to find their form this season having won only one match in their opening four fixtures. Eidevall’s departure follows a string of disappointing results including a heavy 5-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a narrow 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the WSL.
The current assistant coach Renee Slegers has been appointed as the interim head coach. Arsenal’s sporting director Edu expressed gratitude for Eidevall’s contributions to the club highlighting his commitment and role in the growth of the women’s team.
Eidevall succeeded Joe Montemurro in 2021 and guided Arsenal to back-to-back Continental Cups in 2023 and 2024. The Gunners also secured top-three finishes in the WSL under his reign.
Jonas Eidevall’s time at Arsenal has come to an end! 😥
How would you rate the Swede’s tenure in north London? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nsuRukDVsN
— 90min (@90min_Football) October 15, 2024
However, despite signing a new three-year contract last October, the team’s recent performances fell below expectations. After assessing the squad’s progress, Eidevall reportedly felt a change was necessary to help the club move forward.
The 41-year-old Swede introduced several new players, including England forward Alessia Russo and Spain’s World Cup-winning midfielder Mariona Caldentey, but the team struggled to find cohesion on the pitch.
What lies ahead for Gunners
First-team assistant coach Renne Slegers will now lead the team through an important stretch beginning with a Champions League clash against Norwegian side Valerenga followed by a local derby against West Ham in the WSL. With the team still searching for consistency all eyes will be on how Slegers manages the squad during this transitional phase.
As Arsenal begins their search for a new permanent head coach the discussions around potential candidates have already started. While no formal announcements have been made by the club, former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney has been linked to the role. Additionally, Arsenal legend Kelly Smith who is already working at the club might also throw her name in the hat, and ex-Netherlands manager Mark Parsons could also be considered.
Eidevall departs with a 70% win ratio, surpassed only by Joe Montemurro and Laura Harvey in terms of win records at the club. Although his final season was marked by challenges, his tenure at Arsenal will be remembered for bringing silverware back to the club and maintaining their competitiveness at the top level of women’s football.
Jonas Eidevall resigns as Arsenal head coach after a tough start to the season with Renee Slegers taking interim charge amid a search for a new coach. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
