Sat Nov 16 13:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Women’s Interim Coach Slegers Confident Ahead of North London Derby
**London, England** – Arsenal Women’s interim head coach, Renee Slegers, addressed the media on Friday ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Slegers expressed pride in the team’s recent performance, particularly their victory against Juventus. She highlighted the team’s mental and physical resilience in a demanding match, praising their ability to exploit spaces created by Juventus’ intense pressing. Slegers singled out Arsenal’s first goal against Juventus as a testament to their growing confidence and creative play.
The interim coach emphasized the strong togetherness within the squad, noting their collaborative spirit and dedication to improving even after a significant win. While acknowledging the club is actively seeking a permanent head coach, Slegers remained focused on the present, prioritizing the team’s goals and development. She dismissed speculation about her own desire for the permanent position, stating her current focus is on the team and her young son.
Looking ahead to the derby, Slegers acknowledged its significance and expressed excitement, having experienced the intensity of the fixture firsthand. She highlighted the importance of maintaining the team’s current momentum and continuing to develop their strategies. Slegers also discussed the team’s tactical flexibility, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation while allowing players freedom to express themselves on the pitch. She praised Alessia Russo’s goalscoring form but stressed the team’s overall contribution.
Slegers analyzed past encounters with Tottenham, emphasizing the lessons learned and the need to adapt to their style of play. She also commented on the squad’s fitness and confirmed several players would be unavailable for the match due to prior commitments and injuries. Finally, Slegers expressed her gratitude towards the Arsenal Women supporters, emphasizing their crucial role in the team’s success. She concluded by focusing on the upcoming game, acknowledging Tottenham as a strong opponent but remaining confident in Arsenal’s abilities. The match promises to be a highly exciting and closely contested affair.