Renée Slegers addressed the media ahead of Arsenal’s WSL fixture against Leicester tomorrow (Tuesday 15thApril). Here are six key takeaways from her press conference.

The Squad has Returned Hungry and Ready

Slegers was asked about how she feels seeing the players return from the international break:

“It’s good to see them again, the team and everyone comes back really hungry and I’m feeling good personally, very excited for the block that’s ahead of us and the exciting games we are going to play and the players as well, they’ve been applying themselves really well in everything we’ve been doing so far these last couple of days.”

The Injury News is a Mixed Bag

 The manager updated the media on the team’s injury news, with some players returning and some still recovering:

 “Lotte Wubben Moy is back training with the team, so she’s really progressing which is positive. Laia Codina is still being managed. Chloe [Kelly] and Alessia [Russo] took a knock during the international break away with England, it’s touch and go for tomorrow, could potentially be tight for tomorrow. And then Daphne van Domselaar, the same.”

 Leicester Will Pose a Physical and Tactical Challenge

 Slegers shared her thoughts on tomorrow’s opponents with the media:

 “I think they’re going to fight really hard tomorrow night. I think they want to close down spaces as much as they can. They’re going to run and they’re going to battle and they’re going to try and win duals and create things against us…. they have a lot to play for… it’s going to be a challenge for us, the way they press, the player for player system, we’ll have to be really good on the ball to be able to beat that.”

 No Concerns About Rustiness After the Break

 When asked about whether the squad may take some time to get used to playing together again, Slegers reassured the media of her confidence in the players.

 “I don’t see the risk of rust, I think we’ve had some good loads on the players during the international break as well with the different national teams, so a couple of players that needed minutes got minutes and they’re even more ready now and we’re going to need them as well. It’s just a transition of, it’s intense to be away with the national teams and do something else… and when you come back in, we go the Arsenal way again.”

 The Emirates Atmosphere Makes a Real Difference

 Slegers emphasised how impactful the fans and the set up at the Emirates can be for the team in big games:

 “It’s very good, we love playing at the Emirates and everything is there for us. It’s all set up for us to perform. We love it there and I think what the fans can bring at the Emirates, it gives us an extra edge. It’s so inspirational and motivational for the players to come out there and play because they feel so much support, and I’m sure the fans had a little part in the win against [Real] Madrid because they gave us so much energy.”

 Manuela Zinsberger is Fully Supported and Trusted by the Squad

 When asked about the support surrounding goalkeeper Zinsberger as she steps in to cover in van Domselaar’s absence, Slegers talked of the positive environment within the squad and the club.

 [She is] “Very supported, I think in general we have really good environments between players and I think they respect each other and support each other all the time through all situations… Manu is a very experienced and a mature player, so we trust her, of course, she’s such a valued member of the team and there’s support from all directions…. We are happy to have Manu.”

With belief in her squad and a clear sense of purpose, Slegers’ Arsenal look set to tackle the challenge of Leicester and push for a strong finish to their WSL campaign.

The Gunners take on Leicester City at 7:30pm on 15th April at the Emirates Stadium.