Aston Villa Sack Manager Natalia Arroyo After Winless WSL Start
The club dismissed the Spanish manager on Monday evening following a disappointing start to the Women's Super League season.
Aston Villa has sacked manager Natalia Arroyo after a winless start to the Women's Super League season. The club made the decision on Monday evening, with players informed Tuesday morning.
Villa have recorded two draws and two losses in their opening four matches, most recently suffering a 4-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday. The team is scheduled to play Newcastle in the Women's League Cup on Wednesday.
Arroyo, who is Spanish, joined Aston Villa in January 2025 and had two years remaining on her contract. She is the first managerial departure in the current WSL season, though other coaches have stepped down earlier this year.
Brian Sorensen, former Everton manager and now Villa's women's technical advisor, has been appointed interim manager. Arroyo's tenure saw flashes of potential, and she initially stabilized the team during her first six months, when they were near relegation. Despite investment during the transfer window, the team struggled with consistency and underperformed last season. Pressure was on for the 2026-27 season, but despite an opening-weekend draw against Chelsea, the team has shown defensive vulnerabilities and appeared disorganized out of possession. The loss to Spurs appears to have been the decisive factor in Arroyo's dismissal.