Beth Mead Highlights Renee Slegers As A Breath Of Fresh Air For Arsenal Women Ahead Of Champions League Clash

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Beth Mead expressed her admiration for Renee Slegers, describing her as a refreshing presence before Arsenal's Women's Champions League match against Juventus. Slegers has been leading the team temporarily since Jonas Eidevall stepped down last month. Under her guidance, Arsenal has won three out of four matches, including a 5-0 triumph over Brighton, elevating them to fourth in the Women's Super League standings.

Mead, who spoke alongside Slegers during pre-match interviews, feels optimistic about the team's direction under Slegers' leadership. "It's a breath of fresh air with Renee and we're enjoying it so far," Mead stated. "We're in a good place at the moment. We have the environment to build again; it's a release of new energy right now and when you get the results and the performances, then it makes you a happier footballer."

Arsenal aims to improve their recent away form in Europe on Tuesday at Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora. They haven't won in their last three Champions League away games (D1 L2), having only experienced a longer winless streak once before (D1 L3 between 2003 and 2005). Currently, they are second in Group C with three points, tied with Juventus.

Slegers is optimistic about achieving a significant result in Italy. "We are going there to play our best football, and we have a big belief in what we can do tomorrow," she said. "Looking at what we've been performing lately, and obviously scouting Juventus, we have a big belief in ourselves. And then we'll see how the game progresses, what decisions we have to make, but we go there to win."

Slegers remains uncertain about her future role with Arsenal but is focused on the upcoming Champions League fixture. "I think I get this question every time, and my answer will be the same," Slegers explained. "I'm very much in the moment; I know that this will be the situation for this block, and we as the coaching staff are trying to do everything to help the girls forward."

"I think everyone is putting that little extra in from both the staff and the player's perspective," she continued. "So I'm just trying to get the best out of Arsenal because I care a lot. I really enjoyed the role I had before. Now I have to play this role for the team, so I'll play this role for the team. About the future? I don't know."

When asked if she would like Slegers to remain at Arsenal, Mead responded positively: "In some capacity. We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do." This sentiment reflects Mead's appreciation for Slegers' impact on both her and the team.