Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers says she “never saw myself as a leader” when her playing career was ended by injury aged 26, but since taking over from Jonas Eidevall in October she has proved the perfect fit.
The 36-year-old has guided the club to 15 wins in her 18 games in charge, lifted them from sixth to third in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and helped them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League.
“I was always very interested in the game, of training methodology, of the tactics but I never saw myself as a leader,” Slegers told Football Focus.
“Back then leadership looked different. It’s changed so much and I’m happy it’s going in this direction.
“I’ve found myself, and I found a way of being myself and being a leader.”
The former Netherlands midfielder said England manager Sarina Wiegman has been a source of inspiration in her coaching journey.
“Sarina, I’ve seen her grow because in the year I got injured and stopped playing she was the assistant coach for the Netherlands so she was there starting her career,” said Slegers.
“She’s an example for me because I think she’s a very strong woman with strong ideas, but she also has compassion and she found a whole new way of leading.”
