Arsenal boss makes statement on club's 'very hard' decision over rescheduled Bayern clash

Arsenal interim head coach Renee Slegers has spoken out about the club's controversial decision to reschedule the Women's Champions League match against Bayern Munich, which clashes with the men's team Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace. The high-profile women's game, initially set for December 18 at the Emirates Stadium, will now be moved due to the men's fixture.

Critics have taken to social media to express their disappointment, suggesting that the move indicates a lack of respect for the women's side. However, Slegers defended the club's decision in a press conference, stating: "I understand it’s a question, and I understand it’s being discussed in media as well.

"I think it’s been a very hard dilemma for the club, two great teams competing in competitions, and I think what Arsenal has been doing really well is pushing the growth of women’s football for a very long time. So I think this is a bump on the road, but what Arsenal has done for women’s football over time is very strong."

The EFL Cup game's date remains fixed due to scheduling conflicts with Crystal Palace and the proximity of Tottenham's match against Manchester United. Arsenal had previously announced plans to make the Emirates Stadium the main home for the women's first team, hosting 11 matches there in the 2024-25 season.

Arsenal have issued a statement regarding the men's cup fixture, noting: "We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course."

Meanwhile, UEFA has stated that it is "currently liaising with the home club to confirm the venue of the match," but did not clarify whether Meadow Park is a viable option for a Champions League group stage game. Caretaker manager Slegers, whose team faces Brighton at the Emirates, has confirmed her role until the next international break after Eidevall's departure and Edu's resignation.

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She commented: "We have no concerns around (the upheaval), because what we are doing, you could say we live in a little box with the team and staff. For us, obviously Jonas leaving was a change, but what we are doing is not impacted by those (other) external things."

Focusing on the team's needs, Slegers added: "What we need to do is work on our football and work on the group dynamics. That’s what we do day in, day out, so that’s where our focus is."

Slegers also mentioned that Edu's departure would not affect the search for a new head coach, as the technical committee involved is "not affected by this." She further stated: "(Edu) has meant a lot for the women’s team at Arsenal, he’s meant a lot for the whole club. I wish him all the best, but the structure that we have in place here is very strong. It’s not dependent on one person."