‘We know that it will come’ Slegers bullish about Arsenal attacking woes
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers is bullish about Arsenal’s travails in front of goal, which have seen them score just three times in their opening five games. Slegers says that when the attack clicks the team will reveal its true potential.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s UWCL game away at Paris FC, Slegers dismissed the suggestion there have been too many personnel changes in the final third of the pitch this season. ‘It’s not like it was 20 years ago. These players spend a lot of time together. We spend six days a week together on the pitch and off the pitch as well, so connections are built. It’s always looking at the right balance.
‘We always look at what do we see in our environment and what do we see is the best decision on match day when it comes to starters, finishers and everything else. How we want to execute the game. I think that’s the decision made based on the information that we possess in the moment.’
Slegers believes confidence is a factor for her players but says they have retained a constructive attitude, ‘I think confidence is a word that’s used a lot. I think it’s something that fluctuates. But of course, football is very much a mental game as well. I definitely think the same when the first one comes [we will continue to score]. We know the qualities that we possess and how good this team is.
‘At the moment, it’s difficult, of course, but we all believe and I’m really proud of the group as well, how they’ve been these last couple of weeks. They’re so grounded, looking forward, looking for solutions, very high belief, very high support. We know that it will come and we know how good we are when we’re unleashed.’
The Gunners boss says it is a matter of time before Arsenal’s attacking play clicks, ‘I see what we’re doing every single day, I see what the players are doing, the quality that they have, the investment that they show, the closeness of where we are, it’s very close. I think just the daily things, the daily conversations with the players, the training sessions, the meetings, everything, they’ve been amazing.
‘Of course we all saw it differently at the start of the season, but like I just said, the way they’ve managed it and everyone here has been really positive, so that’s what’s given me a lot of energy and belief.’
Slegers was joined in the pre-match press conference by Georgia Stanway, who echoed Slegers’ sentiments. ‘Renee, the team, there’s 50 people in and out of this building every single day and everybody’s taking responsibility for themselves. I think that will only be us in good stead going forward.
‘I’m a big believer of the fact that when it clicks, I think it will really click. I’m also a massive believer in the relationships that you build off the pitch helping on the pitch and we’ll continue to do that.’
Stanway is one of eight new players added to the Gunners squad this season and she admits integrating a lot of new players has also been a factor. ‘Of course, a lot of the work is done on the grass, it’s playing with different partners, seeing exactly how somebody likes to receive the ball or how they like to move, getting to know people’s habits. Everything’s happened so naturally.
‘From the very beginning, there was a banner up on the first day that said ‘no matter what, I’m here to give my entire heart,’ and that is what I will continue to do for Arsenal, for the fans, for my teammates and for the staff.’
Arsenal play away at Paris FC at 5.45pm UK time this evening, the match is live on Disney+ in the UK. Arseblog News is on the ground in Paris to bring you all the updates.
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