Ahead of Arsenals UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Lyon at the Emirates tomorrow, manager Renée Slegers and midfielder Mariona Caldentey faced the media. From player fitness updates to belief in their European journey, here are five key takeaways from their press conference.

Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly are fit and ready

After a few weeks of uncertainty, Slegers confirmed that the two key attacking players will be available, news that will be a relief to many Arsenal fans heading into tomorrow.

“They will be fully available,” she said. “Both the players have been working really, really hard to get to this point, together with the medical team… They are available for a lot of minutes.”

Mariona’s winning mentality is infectious

With three Champions League titles already under her belt, Mariona has brought invaluable experience and a hunger to win with Slegers praising her mentality.

“Mariona is a winner, in every single drill she wants to win, and that’s what she’s bringing to the team.”

Mariona described her joy playing in the Arsenal environment: “I feel really confident, I can play my football, I can enjoy… I am in the right place. I am where I want to be.”

Lyon are respected, but not feared

Despite Lyon’s decorated history, Arsenal are not intimidated.

“We respect their coach, their individual players and their history,” said Slegers. “But we believe we can do something more.”

Mariona added: “They have such talented players… but we have to believe in ourselves… we already showed to ourselves and to everyone that we can compete.”

The one club mentality at Arsenal is shining through

For the first time in the club’s history, both Arsenal’s men’s and women’s sides are in their respective Champions League semi-finals, and the energy of the success is fuelling the motivation in camp.

“We support each other, so it’s great,” Slegers said. “The guys also know what we are doing and we know what they are doing.”

The players, and Slegers are going to relish the moment tomorrow

With such a huge opportunity ahead, on home turf, in front of a huge crowd, everyone at the club is looking forward to the challenge.

Mariona summed it up perfectly: “We have to enjoy the moment because we work so hard every day for long months to be here… that’s our gift to ourselves.”

Slegers is aware that this is the biggest day of her managerial career, and adds:

“I’m also excited, of course there’s a lot of hard work and preparation and we need to be sharp on the day, both the players and staff… but of course we remind ourselves that we need to enjoy the moment.”