Renee Slegers reacts to 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich

Yesterday at 06:35 PM

Arsenal topped their UWCL group with a dramatic 3-2 win over Bayern Munich at Meadow Park on Wednesday evening. Arsenal led through an own goal before a Magda Eriksson double gave Bayern the lead. Alessia Russo equalised before a late Mariona penalty gave the Gunners top spot. Renee Slegers spoke to the press post match, the first two questions are from Arseblog News.

On starting with Stina Blackstenius upfront with Russo in behind…
Everyone knows Stina is a powerful, physical, fast player and Bayern spends a lot of time in a mid block with space in behind their formation, so we wanted to have Stina on the pitch to try to stretch them.

On whether she and her staff really felt Arsenal would win after the equaliser…
Yeah we did. We had a phase in the game in the second half, overall the game was quite equal as a full game. We had a period of the second half where we don't create much but we have to manage other phases of the game really well. The girls were very composed today with all the scenarios they had to deal with, with goals being scored against, us leading, them coming back, the weather conditions. I was very impressed with how the girls stayed composed and focused on the task. We talked a lot about setpieces before the game, they are very strong on setpieces and unfortunately they score two on us again but we score three on them, so we win the setpiece battle today. We scored from the corner and we had Beth and Frida ready to come on and when you score to make it 2-2 and you have those game changers ready to go, who are quality players. There was even more belief that we had momentum and fresh players and I think the players felt that.

On how this differed from the 5-2 defeat in Munich in October…
That first fixture is quite far in history now and when you play so many games with tight turnarounds. It wasn't in our heads and I am very impressed with how the players stay focused on the task- the players spoke about that in the changing room before the game as well. Whatever the scenario, they understood we play against very strong opposition and there are going to be phases in the game we will need to handle, there might be situations we don't wish for, they might score a goal or get momentum and we have to deal with that. The players talked about it so their minds were set on that, to stay in the game whatever the scenario or situation and they did that well today.

On whether there is clarity around her role…
I am just really happy that we got this win and topped the group, it was a big performance of the team and the club. We had two objectives from this block, to be in striking distance in the WSL and we climbed one spot and qualify for the quarter-finals and, if we can, win the group, so we are successful with both which is very strong. It has been very intense with many challenges to overcome as a team, we just need the break and I am sure I will have communication with the club, but I want to have a break too.

On the importance of winning the group…
It was mostly important for us to keep on winning, that was the main goal, to keep on winning and I think if we look at the eight teams that progress to the quarter-finals, they are all very good teams and women's football is growing so much that there is more quality spread and more teams. Now we can get Real Madrid, Wolfsburg or City and they are all top teams, either way it is going to be a big challenge but for ourselves this was important.

On how she reflects on the last few months…
It has been very intense, it is a big club with big players, great players, great resources and facilities, there was already such a great foundation but I have learned a lot about what this role is in a big club like Arsenal. I have enjoyed it, I have enjoyed working with the players and the staff. I want to highlight the rest of the staff as well, I am the one sitting here talking with you guys, but there is so much work behind the scenes. Aaron (D'Antino) has been amazing as well, he has been stepping up and doing so much for the team. It has been a very good period, I am happy for the team we get this result.

On the players looking happy with their football…
I am happy to hear that, if you enjoy what you are doing you are going to give a little extra. That is where we are at at the moment, the break comes now and they deserve it to recharge, refresh mentally and physically. Then everyone is ready to go again.

On whether Arsenal can beat any team in Europe…
I think so, we have a top squad. It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months and many times we came out positively, the team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football. I think you can go very far but we respect all the other teams, there are so many teams in women's football who can do really great things, it is a big challenge.

On playing in tough conditions…
It was really hard to play today, especially in the first half with the wind against us and it was swirling a little as well and it was hard to get out of our own half. We had some ideas about how to solve the goal kick against their very aggressive press, they are a very good team. They are external factors and we need to control what we can control, the wind didn't help to bypass in the air. It was hard to get out of our half.

How satisfying it was to win this match ahead of the winter break..
Very satisfying, it was a hard day, tough opposition, they have so many tools in how they can threaten you. We had to deal with it and we did. It wasn't always the prettiest football but it was hard to play pretty football today. I am happy we found a way to win when the situation doesn't allow us to play our game and we have to respect our opponent but we found a way to win. It shows big mental strength with the team.

On her plans for the winter break…
First back to Sweden then the Netherlands to be with family.

On the bad parts and good parts of this role…
The worst is you have such a good squad and great players and you wish for everyone to play every game but it is impossible, you can only have 11 players on the pitch. That is the hard one to only be able to have 11 players playing the game. I find that hard. The best has been enjoying how the girls have been working hard and bringing performances.

On a former teammate scoring against her…
Yes, I played with Pernille (Harder) too, I spoke to her briefly after the game, I haven't spoken to Magda yet but I will address it with her!

The post Renee Slegers reacts to 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich appeared first on Arseblog News - the Arsenal news site.