Arsenal Secures Slegers with New Three-Year Contract

Renee Slegers, who began her journey in Arsenal’s academy, returned to the club in September 2023 as an assistant to then-head coach Jonas Eidevall. Following Eidevall’s departure early in the 2024-25 season, Slegers was appointed interim head coach and maintained an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 matches, ultimately earning the role on a permanent basis in January of the previous year.

Her appointment proved to be a pivotal decision, as Slegers led Arsenal to victory against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final in May. Despite a rocky start to the new season, the club has committed to Slegers for the next three years, with her contract lasting until the conclusion of the 2028-29 season.

Upon the announcement of her new contract, Slegers expressed her pride in her journey with Arsenal, stating, “From playing in the academy and watching Arsenal win the Champions League in 2007, to experiencing it firsthand with our players, staff, and supporters last summer, I’m immensely proud to have shared this journey with a club that means so much to me.”

Slegers continued, “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract here, as I believe we have so much to achieve together – this season and in the years to come. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our supporters for their incredible backing, whether at Emirates Stadium or on the road. We hear it, we see it, and we feel it every day.”

Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s chief executive officer, praised Slegers for her achievements, highlighting her role in securing the club’s second Champions League title in her inaugural season. He emphasized Slegers’ alignment with Arsenal’s values and ambitions, stating, “We now look ahead to an exciting second half of the season, with five trophies to play for. Congratulations to Renee and her family.”

Slegers’ impact last season was remarkable. The 36-year-old, who had previously won two league titles as head coach of the Swedish side Rosengard, made strategic adjustments rather than drastic changes during her interim period. Notably, she repositioned left-back Steph Catley to a left-sided center-back role, which enhanced the defense’s build-up play and allowed Katie McCabe to excel as a full-back on the same flank.

After taking over amid a challenging run of two wins in seven games, Slegers stabilized Arsenal’s performance, leading them to a 13-game unbeaten streak and a memorable European campaign. The team executed historic comebacks against Real Madrid and Lyon to reach the final, where they shocked Barcelona with a 1-0 victory, securing their second UWCL title and their first since 2007. Arsenal remains the only English women’s side to achieve European champion status at the club level.

While many anticipated that this continental success would propel Arsenal towards a serious challenge for the Women’s Super League title, which they have not won since 2019, the current season has not unfolded as expected. The Gunners currently sit third in the league, securing a Champions League spot, but trail leaders Manchester City by eight points at the season’s midpoint.

Nevertheless, with significant matches ahead and the January transfer window presenting opportunities for reinforcement, the landscape may change. Arsenal still has prospects for success in the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League, in addition to the upcoming FIFA Women’s Champions Cup later this month.

Ultimately, this contract extension underscores Arsenal’s confidence in Slegers as the leader to guide the club forward over the next three years.