Arsenal Women Name Renée Slegers Permanent Head Coach After Irishman Jonas Eidevall’s Resignation
London, 17 January 2025 — Arsenal Women have confirmed that Renée Slegers will take over as the permanent head coach on a contract through to the end of the 2025-26 season, following a successful interim spell after the departure of Jonas Eidevall in October 2024.
From Interim to Permanence: The Change at the Helm
Jonas Eidevall stepped down in mid-October amid a disappointing start to the Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign. Under his leadership, Arsenal managed only one win from their opening four league matches, something that raised both performance concerns and pressure among the squad and supporters.
In the wake of his departure, the club appointed Renée Slegers, previously assistant coach, to lead the side on an interim basis. Over roughly three months in that capacity, Slegers presided over an immediate turn in Arsenal’s fortunes: an unbeaten run of 11 matches in all competitions, with 10 wins and 1 draw. During that stretch, the team scored 31 goals and conceded only five.
These results saw Arsenal climb from mid-table frustration to secure third place in the WSL, as well as qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League as winners of their group.
Credentials & Background: Who Is Renée Slegers?
Renée Slegers, 35, has a rich history in women’s football both as player and coach. Originally from the Netherlands, she earned 55 caps for the Dutch national side before her retirement in 2016. Her club career as a player included stints at Willem II in the Netherlands, and Djurgårdens and Linköping in Sweden. She also spent time as a youth player in Arsenal’s academy in the 2006-2007 period.
As a coach, Slegers has won honors with FC Rosengård in Sweden, guiding them to back-to-back Damallsvenskan (Swedish top-division) titles in 2021 and 2022. She joined Arsenal in September 2023 as Eidevall’s assistant as part of the Women’s Football setup.
Official Confirmation & Contract
On 17 January 2025, Arsenal publicly confirmed Slegers as permanent head coach. She has signed a contract lasting through the 2025-26 season.
The club emphasized that they conducted a “thorough recruitment process” to identify the right person for the role, and that Slegers emerged as the standout candidate. Clare Wheatley, Director of Women’s Football, praised her leadership during the interim period, stating that she had brought the team, club and supporters together, and delivered strong results and performances.
Arsenal Co-Chair Josh Kroenke and the rest of the club hierarchy expressed confidence in her ability to build on recent momentum and deliver trophies. Slegers herself expressed gratitude for the faith shown in her, pointing to the strong sense of collective ownership among players and staff, and reaffirmed her ambition to drive the team forward.
Reactions and Context
Players have voiced support for Slegers. Defender Leah Williamson said that one of her biggest strengths is her ability to empower people, a quality that has resonated through the squad during the transition.
The reaction from fans and commentators has also been largely positive. Many saw her interim run as vindication, especially in light of the rough start to the season under Eidevall. The improvement in form, results and confidence in the team’s performances drew widespread praise.
That said, Slegers takes over with challenges ahead. Though Arsenal had regained stability, they remained behind the top of the WSL table. Beating the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City will be crucial if they are to reclaim the championship. Maintaining momentum in the FA Cup, League Cup, and progress in the Champions League will also test her management over the long term.
Why This Matters
The appointment of Slegers signals a clear statement from Arsenal: they believe in continuity, internal development, and promoting from within when a crisis emerges. Instead of undergoing a prolonged external search, the club leaned on someone who already understood the culture and infrastructure of Arsenal Women.
Her performance during the interim period suggests she has the tactical acumen, motivational ability, and leadership to respond to high expectations. The club’s backing via a multi-year contract shows a willingness to give her time to build, evolve the squad, and deliver long-term success.
Looking Forward
With the second half of the 2024-25 season looming, all eyes are now on Slegers to see whether she can translate her interim magic into silverware. Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures in the WSL, crucial Champions League rounds, and domestic cup competitions will provide a clearer picture of whether the club’s decision will pay off.
If she manages to lift trophies, or at least challenge strongly for them, this appointment could mark the beginning of a new era for Arsenal Women—one built on resilience, cohesion, and renewed ambition.
Summary
- Jonas Eidevall resigned in October 2024 after a poor league beginning.
- Renée Slegers, previously his assistant, took over as interim, leading Arsenal to 10 wins and one draw in 11 matches, scoring 31 goals, conceding five.
- On 17 January 2025, Arsenal confirmed her as permanent head coach on a contract through the end of 2025-26.
- She has the backing of players, staff and management, and now faces the expectation to deliver trophies and maintain the club’s status among England and Europe’s elite.
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