Renée Shares Key Insights in Pre-AS FAR Press Conference
Renée Slegers addressed the media in a pre-AS FAR press conference held at Brentford Stadium on Tuesday evening. She shared insights on team dynamics, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and her expectations for the upcoming semi-final match.
Team News Ahead of the Semi-Final
Chloe Kelly will return to the squad, ready to play a few minutes as she regains fitness. Frida Maanum has also trained fully and is available for selection. Leah Williamson is not quite ready, but hopes to return soon. Kyra Cooney-Cross will join the team, with careful management of her recovery in mind.
Preparation Against a Dominant Opponent
Discussing AS FAR, Slegers acknowledged their dominance in their domestic league and anticipated a challenging match. She noted that they possess quality players who are technically skilled. Slegers expects AS FAR to be fearless, making it crucial for her team to prepare for various scenarios during the game.
Pride in Competing at the Champions Cup
Slegers expressed pride in participating in the Champions Cup, a testament to their success in last year’s Champions League. She emphasized the opportunity to measure themselves against top teams from other continents, viewing the competition as both exciting and challenging.
Navigating a Hectic Schedule
With multiple matches on the horizon, scheduling remains critical. Slegers understands the burdens of a tight schedule but is determined to compete fiercely for trophies. She highlighted Arsenal’s role as trailblazers in women’s football and their desire to carve out a historic legacy.
Style of Play and Team Identity
Reflecting on her team’s style compared to others in the competition, Slegers believes they possess a blend of intelligent and technically gifted players. Arsenal focuses on maintaining possession while being direct when needed. The physicality of the game is increasingly important, both domestically and in Europe.
Anticipating Unknowns in Matchup
Understanding that they have not faced AS FAR before, Slegers spoke about the unknowns in the matchup. She emphasized the importance of comfort in uncertainty and outlined the need for both teams to adapt to each other’s styles while playing with athleticism and bravery.
Significance of Winning the Champions Cup
Winning the Champions Cup would hold immense significance for Arsenal, as they compete across four competitions this season. Slegers reiterated that securing trophies is a priority, emphasizing the opportunity to make history through this new competition.
Prize Money and Future of Women’s Football
As investment increases in women’s football, Slegers acknowledged the relevance of prize money for growth in the sport. She focused on winning silverware, prioritizing team success over financial incentives.
Impact on English Football and Moroccan Teams
Should an English team win the Champions Cup, Slegers believes it would be a source of pride for the country. She noted the impact of domestic investments in football and recognized the importance of giving teams like AS FAR a global platform to showcase their talent.
In summary, Slegers is optimistic about the upcoming match and the potential impacts on both her team and the broader landscape of women’s football. Her confidence and focus on an impactful performance are clear as the semi-final approaches.
