Arsenal captain Kim Little praised head coach Renée Slegers after the Gunners thrashed Lyon 4-1 at the Groupama Stadium, winning 5-3 on aggregate to reach the club’s second Women’s Champions League final.

Christiane Endler’s early own goal levelled the semi-final before strikes from Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord stunned the eight-time Champions League winners, who pulled a goal back late on through Melchie Dumornay.

Kim Little spoke to the Gooner Fanzine after full-time, and reflected on Slegers’ journey as Arsenal manager, having taken the permanent job only in January this year following Jonas Eidevall’s departure in October.

“I know I’ve obviously not maybe settled and reflected on that journey quite yet,” Little said in the mixed zone at the Groupama Stadium. “Obviously Renée came in after Jonas left and we kind of had to resettle with a slight change in structure within the club. But I think we did that pretty smoothly and we've been performing really well. 

“I think Renée's a pretty humble and calm and composed person who doesn't like to take much of the credit, but definitely her calmness and her aura and how she is has had an impact I think, especially in tense moments in games where we are just calm and we do our job and I think that is really reflected in the results.”

Asked by the Gooner about her role as captain in Arsenal’s calm nature on the pitch, Little said: “Yeah, we speak a lot about emotional regulation and I think we've really developed that over the last couple of years and especially this season. 

“It comes quite natural to me, so it's not something that I overly think about but I think it has a good impact on the team and I try and use that in the best way possible in games like this.”

Reflecting on Arsenal’s 500-strong travelling support in Lyon, Little praised the Gunners’ loyal away supporters. “So thankful and proud to represent the fans who come and support us everywhere and back at home, and again they showed out in numbers today and we hope they can all make it over to Lisbon and be there and support and have that moment with us too.”