Renee Slegers has etched her name in Arsenal’s history by leading the team to a Champions League victory, marking the club’s first European triumph since 2007. Under her stewardship, Arsenal went on to earn a gritty 1-0 win against the daunting Catalans. The manner in which the team played and advanced demonstrated their tactical acumen and mental fortitude. This long-shot victory further enshrines Slegers’ status as a club legend. More than that, it represents a huge personal milestone in her coaching career.
It took a brilliant second-half through ball from Beth Mead to finally change the narrative. Stina Blackstenius took full advantage and scored the game’s only goal. Slegers had meticulously prepared her squad for the challenge ahead, implementing a modified game plan specifically aimed at countering the Catalan side. In the lead-up to the final, she played to the crowd beautifully. She built in rest days for players to recharge and held discussion after discussion with her backroom staff and senior squad members to hone their tactics.
Looking back on preparation for the memorable 2022 Champions League final, Slegers said she wouldn’t change a thing.
“Those 12 days were so good, the best I’ve ever been a part of. We were all working towards the same goal. The excitement, the drive to beat what was, on paper, the best team in the world.” – Renee Slegers
The path to that final was not without adversity. After losing 5-2 to Bayern Munich in a humiliating, comprehensive defeat early on in the group stage, pressure was on Slegers. Arsenal were eight points behind Women’s Super League table-toppers Manchester City, making the situation gnarly. Despite that optimism-tugging record, Slegers was always defiant in her conviction that a dominant season wasn’t out of reach.
As they made their way through the tournament, perhaps the most memorable moment came when they defeated Real Madrid after being down 2-0 in their fixture.
“It was a tough game. We turned it around 4-3 and scored three goals in six minutes. What we did at West Ham gave us so much belief going forward and belief we could do it at any point.” – Renee Slegers
The final against Lyon was an incredible task, given their storied history and a talented group of players. Slegers conceded that this match would be the most telling of her team’s character.
“Us against Lyon was a different challenge with their players and their legacy. For me it was ‘if we can do this against Lyon, it says a lot about this team.’” – Renee Slegers
By the time the final match rolled around, Slegers described an atypical serenity found in her team’s camp.
“On the bus to the game, in the tunnel, walking out at the ground… I had such calmness and the players were the same. I looked around the changing room ten minutes before the game and everyone’s absolutely calm.” – Renee Slegers
This calmness under pressure played a big part in their disciplined play on the field, letting Arsenal stick to their game plan and control the play. The end of their journey would be beyond relief and beyond joyful.
“There is relief as there was so much tension. There is unbelievable happiness and pride. I saw players crying and screaming; I thought of my family and parents in the stands, the staff that have given up so much.” – Renee Slegers
Slegers believes this championship win will be a launching pad for her career. Her deal is up at the conclusion of the season, and she’s planted the flag on legacy with Arsenal. Now, both admirers and detractors of Rivers are creating a fever pitch of speculation involving her future.
The victory over Lyon not only marks an end to a long wait for European glory but injects renewed vigor into Arsenal’s ambitions moving forward. As they celebrate this monumental achievement, Slegers emphasizes the importance of reflection on both triumphs and challenges faced throughout the season.
“What is important to remember is the beautiful and difficult things we’ve done together. That was amazing.” – Renee Slegers
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