Arsenal Manager Slegers Under Scrutiny as Club Faces WSL Struggles
Despite club backing, a dismal start to the Women's Super League season raises questions about the manager's future.
Arsenal's Women's Super League campaign has hit early turbulence, with manager Renee Slegers facing increasing scrutiny as the team sits 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester City after just five matches. The Gunners have secured only two wins in their opening seven fixtures across all competitions, placing them 10th in the WSL standings.
Sunday's 4-2 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium compounded the team's struggles, continuing a trend of slow starts that has hampered Arsenal's title aspirations in recent seasons. The club has not won a WSL title since 2019.
While Slegers led Arsenal to a Women's Champions League title in 2025, the team failed to secure any domestic trophies last season, finishing second in the WSL and reaching the semi-finals of their European defense.
Despite the mounting pressure, Slegers expressed confidence in her position and the team's direction. "All I know so far is that the last couple of days we have been together as a club, and a team," she stated. "We have been aligned in the direction. Of course, this result is disappointing but I'm here and I'm full of energy. I care a lot for the club and the players. I see perspective."
Following the loss to City, Slegers engaged with the 2,500 traveling supporters at the Etihad Stadium, a gesture she described as a way to thank them and show her appreciation. "I mostly went there to thank them, connect with them and show them I care for them and I appreciate them coming out to Manchester," Slegers explained. "I also wanted to show that – not that I feel sorry for them as I'm a big part of it too – but they are coming here and not getting the rewards, just like the team."
Sources within the club indicate that Slegers retains full support, with management acknowledging the disappointing results but believing she can steer the team forward. Significant investment was made in the transfer window with the arrivals of England international Georgia Stanway, Spain full-back Ona Batlle, and young German forward Lisa Baum, with the aim of a stronger start to the season. However, these efforts have not yet yielded the desired results.
Slegers is planning an in-depth review of the season so far during the upcoming international break to identify the root causes of the team's performance issues. "There will be a big review of our season so far," she confirmed when asked about the recurring slow starts.
Key issues have included a lack of goal-scoring, with the team scoring just twice in the WSL prior to Sunday's match. Alessia Russo's goal against City was her first in the league this season. Arsenal's winless streak now extends to four WSL games, their longest since October 2023. The defeat also marked the club's second-worst start after five games in the WSL, with only the 2014 season seeing them pick up fewer points (four).
The team's confidence appears to have been affected, highlighted by a notable error from defender Leah Williamson in a recent 2-2 draw with Paris FC in the Women's Champions League. Slegers herself did not attend post-match media duties after that game, later explaining she was emotional and felt the team needed her presence.
Despite the challenges, Slegers remains resolute. "First of all, it's not about me anyway. I have energy, I feel the connection and I think we're going through a really difficult time but we also see perspective," she stated. "We look forward and see solutions. We see the closeness [of the squad]. It's not that we're totally away from it or off it, it's been consistently about margins. We have to work to get them on our side but when we do, I think we'll be really good. Of course, it's been a long run without the results we wanted. It's not about me, it's about the club and I care about the club."