Fri Sep 20 13:17:17 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Boss Eidevall Confident Ahead of WSL Opener Against Manchester City
**London, England** – Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has expressed his excitement ahead of the club’s Barclays Women’s Super League opener against Manchester City on Sunday, highlighting the importance of the fixture and the pressure it brings.
“I think there have been so many exciting games during my years here against Manchester City,” Eidevall said in his pre-match press conference. “Every game, apart from the first one, has been decided by very thin margins. They have been exciting games to be involved in.”
Eidevall emphasized the importance of daily progress and focusing on the present rather than getting ahead of themselves. He also acknowledged the pressure surrounding the game, seeing it as a necessity for achieving high performance. “Sometimes people say pressure is a privilege. I go one step further and I say pressure, for me, is a necessity in order to reach high performance.”
On the team news front, Eidevall confirmed that captain Leah Williamson will be available for selection after missing the recent friendly against Hacken. However, he remained coy about other potential lineup decisions, stating that he did not have full information on the squad yet.
Regarding Amanda Ilestedt’s return from maternity leave, Eidevall confirmed the club is happy for the player and her partner Rainer, welcoming their new baby Mila. He emphasized that the club will be guided by Ilestedt’s feelings and when she feels ready to return to training.
The match will be a special one for Arsenal, as it marks the first time the women’s team will play at Emirates Stadium as their main home ground. Eidevall acknowledged the significance of the occasion and the responsibility that comes with playing in such a prestigious venue. “It really feels like that when we zoom out, that that is a groundbreaking moment, and it’s a privilege, but now with that privilege, it also comes a responsibility, and now we need to do something really great with that opportunity that has been presented to us, and we need to do that together with our supporters.”
The game against Manchester City will be a crucial test for Arsenal as they look to build on last season’s success and challenge for the WSL title. Eidevall’s confidence and clear vision will be essential as they aim to start the new season with a strong performance against one of their biggest rivals.
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