Jonas Eidevall Critiques Amateurish WSL For Impact On Arsenal's European Campaign

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Jonas Eidevall, head coach of Arsenal, criticised the Women's Super League for what he sees as unprofessional conduct that harms English teams' European prospects. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are representing England in this season's Women's Champions League group stages. While Arsenal and City played on Sunday, Chelsea's match against Manchester United was postponed over player welfare concerns.

Eidevall expressed frustration over the fixture congestion his team faces. Arsenal will play Bayern Munich on Wednesday and then Chelsea three days later. He believes this schedule puts his team at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts. "It's not a good situation," he stated during a press conference before Sunday's game against Everton.

The coach pointed out that among the 16 Champions League teams, only English teams played on Sunday, October 6. "If it was only us, it would be an Arsenal problem - but it's also Man City," he noted. Chelsea was the only other team scheduled to play but had their match postponed. This marks the first time three English teams have reached the group stage, which should be celebrated but has become problematic.

Eidevall emphasised the importance of success in Europe for the entire league. He criticised the lack of planning and decision-making that led to Chelsea's game being removed from the schedule. This resulted in Arsenal playing on Sunday, then travelling to Bayern Munich midweek before facing Chelsea again on Saturday, October 12.

The coach highlighted that this schedule leaves them with less preparation time than their opponents for two significant matches. Despite these challenges, Eidevall is determined that his players will face this busy period with resilience rather than self-pity.

"We won't lie down and give up because the situation is tough," he said. "We will dig deeper than we ever have before." He stressed that changes are needed in how Champions League football is approached and how supporters are respected.

Eidevall argued that blaming UEFA is insufficient since the WSL has not acted on available information. The current situation presents a sporting disadvantage for Arsenal in crucial games against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.