“From the brink of a Champions League exit to now standing proudly in the final, Slegers didn’t just turn things around; she brought Arsenal back to life.” (@awfcmatchdays)

Introduction:

Renée Slegers’ first season as Arsenal manager has been a journey of steady progress, cautious optimism, and growing belief. Taking charge of one of women’s football’s biggest clubs amid a period of transition, she faced high expectations and intense scrutiny. But beyond the headlines and match reports, what do Arsenal fans really think of her debut campaign?

To answer that, I shared a form with Arsenal supporters, posting it publicly and sending it directly to fans I knew, to gather honest, nuanced views on everything from tactics and player management to the emotional connection Slegers has rebuilt with the team. What emerges is a picture of a coach who has not only steadied the ship but sparked a sense of hope, and set the stage for something bigger to come.

Almost Unanimous: A Debut Season That Delivered

Renée Slegers’ debut season at Arsenal has been met with near-unanimous approval from the fanbase, but with a hint of caution.

Of the 100 supporters surveyed, 49 rated her season a perfect 5, while another 49 gave it a solid 4. Only 2 respondents opted for a 3, and notably, not a single fan rated her first season below average.

This overwhelmingly positive reception paints a picture of a coach who has quickly won over the majority of fans. As one respondent put it:

“She’s exceeded all expectations — smart tactically, emotionally in tune with the players, and she’s reconnected the team with the supporters.”

Many of the 4/5 scorers acknowledged a sense of momentum building, but held back slightly — not out of criticism, but out of anticipation. The consensus: there’s more to come.

“It’s been a great start, but there’s still work to do. The foundation is there — now it’s about consistency and silverware.”

Those who gave a 3 cited teething issues early in the season or concerns about squad rotation, but even their tone leaned more reserved than critical.

“There were bumps in the road, especially early on, but I can see the direction. It’s promising — just not perfect yet.”

In short, while fans may not be ready to declare the Slegers era a finished product, they are almost universally encouraged by the path it’s on. With the team playing with more clarity, energy, and belief, most supporters see a coach who’s not only brought direction and purpose, but may be charting a path to something special. 

Did Slegers Deliver on Expectations?

When Renée Slegers stepped into the Arsenal hot seat, fan expectations were cautiously optimistic. But by season’s end, the verdict from supporters was emphatic: she’s outperformed what most imagined.

In the survey of 100 fans, a striking 87% said she exceeded their expectations, while 12% felt she met them. Only one respondent was unsure — and none felt she fell short.

That level of approval speaks volumes, especially in a season where Slegers inherited a side in transition and faced pressure to immediately steady the ship.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but what she’s built, how she’s unified the squad, it’s been above and beyond,” wrote one fan.

Many pointed to the team’s newfound cohesion, resilience, and tactical sharpness as key markers of progress.

“She’s revitalised this team — not just results-wise, but emotionally and mentally. You can see the belief flowing again.”

Even those in the “met expectations” group typically had high hopes from the outset,  viewing Slegers as a good fit who has simply delivered what they believed she could.

“I rated her appointment highly, so this isn’t a knock. She’s done exactly what I hoped she would: brought identity back to our play.”

With results, performances, and morale all on an upward curve, fans aren’t just satisfied — they’re excited. 

The question has quickly shifted from “Can she handle the job?” to “How far can she take us?”

One Word to Sum Up Slegers’ First Season?

“Transformative,” “Inspiring,” “Belief.” Those were just a few of the standout words Arsenal fans used to describe Renée Slegers’ first campaign at the helm - a season many viewed as nothing short of remarkable.

From the 100 surveyed supporters, themes of revival, hope, and unity ran deep. Words like “Magical,” “Resurrected,” “Freedom,” “Revitalising,” and “Phenomenal” spoke to the emotional lift Slegers brought to both the pitch and the fanbase.

One respondent, Julia Jandt, summed it up powerfully:

“Inspirational – because I feel that as a community we were a bit disheartened with how we started into the season... Now, you can see the players playing with fun and freeness again.” 

Another called it “Resurrection,” writing:

“She took an Arsenal side that was on the floor, mentally and physically, and transformed them into a competent, exciting team to watch, ultimately leading them to a UWCL Final.”

Several fans circled back to one consistent sentiment: belief.

“Belief – She’s instilled belief in the fans and players, shown us what is possible and the levels this team can reach.”

While a few described the season as a “rollercoaster,” there was no denying the momentum shift. The word “freedom” came up more than once, describing both the tactical approach and emotional atmosphere.

“She gave the players the freedom to express themselves again... it felt like a breath of fresh air for everyone involved.”

Whether seen as a revival, a revolution, or a return to joy, fans overwhelmingly felt that Slegers brought Arsenal Women back to life. And that’s not a sentiment you can measure in wins and losses alone.

Strategic Stability or Missed Opportunities? Evaluating Squad Use

Renée Slegers’ squad management over the course of the season has been broadly regarded as solid, especially given the context she inherited. Many praised her for stabilising the team and establishing a consistent starting XI that delivered results. As one fan put it, 

“Renée has found what works and stuck to it largely. Understandable given that this isn't a squad of players she's recruited herself.” 

This consistency was key in turning around a difficult start to the campaign.

However, that same consistency also drew criticism, particularly as the season wore on and fatigue became apparent. A recurring concern was the limited rotation and lack of minutes for certain players. One supporter, Ben Harrop noted: 

“It feels like if you’re not in her plans you’re completely out of the team,” referencing the underutilisation of Rosa Kafaji and Jenna Nighswonger. 

Another, Amie Samba, echoed this sentiment: 

“There are players who have gone missing in a few games or not been at their best yet are still starting. Where is the challenger for those places?” 

The squad’s lack of depth, particularly in like-for-like replacements, further complicated Slegers’ ability to rotate without significant drop-off in performance. 

“Our lack of depth has been exposed in comparison to Chelsea…a speedy forward sub could have done something in the match at Stamford Bridge.” 

Others pointed to the Aston Villa away match as a cautionary tale: 

“The starting XI against AV was… something,” while another reflected, “Rotation is needed but doesn’t work with players who aren’t used to playing together.”

Despite the frustrations, there’s recognition that Slegers’ hands were somewhat tied. As one fan summarised, 

“She did the best she could with the squad she had. Obviously there are holes… particularly in the wide areas.” 

Injuries, the absence of a full recruitment window, and the pressure to win after a poor start meant every game felt “make or break,” limiting opportunities to experiment.

Still, there were bright spots in her player usage. Several praised her “thoughtful” approach to managing player recovery and form. The inclusion of younger players like Katie Reid was also highlighted positively: 

“She’s given good opportunities to players who earn it, like Katie Reid starting against Valerenga.”

Going forward, fans widely agree that this is an area where Slegers must grow. 

“She’s found a short-term solution that works,” one comment noted, “but the cost has been visible in the form of late-season burnout.” 

With a full pre-season, recruitment tailored to her vision, and a clearer understanding of squad depth needs, many are optimistic. As one supporter put it succinctly: 

“Her biggest flaw — with players of her choosing this will change for the better.”

Who Thrived and Who Struggled Under Slegers?

Renée Slegers’ arrival brought clarity, calm, and confidence to Arsenal’s season, and nowhere was that more evident than in the individual arcs of her players. Some found new life under her leadership, while others saw their roles shrink or stagnate.

The biggest breakout? Alessia Russo. If there's one player who encapsulates the Slegers bounce, it’s Russo. From an underwhelming start under Eidevall, just one goal in nine league games, she exploded under Slegers, finishing the season with the Golden Boot. Fans described her transformation as going from “caged” to “free and instinctual,” and praised her link-up play, improved confidence, and lethal finishing. The trust Slegers showed in her, coupled with coaching from the legendary Kelly Smith, seems to have unlocked the player Arsenal thought they were signing a year ago.

Caitlin Foord was another standout. Described by many as their personal player of the season, Foord flourished in a more focused attacking role. With Mariona Caldentey’s move into midfield alleviating some of her build-up responsibilities, Foord was able to thrive in more direct play, maximising her ball-carrying and final-third impact. Her in-game intelligence and ability to self-correct mid-match were frequently noted, as was her consistency - so much so that her absence was often felt on the pitch.

Lauren, one of the fans, put it this way:

“Caitlin Foord has impressed me this season, her work on and off the ball has been underrated, she’s been key for Arsenal’s press and disrupting opposition’s build-up play. One stand out moment for me would be her goal against Chelsea at home where she took on the defender herself and drove the ball into the box from near the corner flag, scoring from a tight angle.”

The tactical reshuffles paid off elsewhere, too. Mariona herself impressed in her deeper, central role, her creativity and pressing flourished and Steph Catley earned widespread praise for adapting superbly to a centre-back role. Kim Little seemed to wind back the clock, while Emily Fox, Kyra Cooney-Cross (in the first half of Slegers’ tenure), and Chloe Kelly were all mentioned as players who rose in both performance and stature.

But it wasn’t all upward trajectories. Rosa Kafaji was the most frequently mentioned struggler. Seen as a promising creative force, she found herself locked in a cycle of substitute appearances or left out entirely. Many fans worry her lack of minutes could hinder her long-term development. Kyra Cooney-Cross, while praised early on, saw her game time diminish sharply in the latter part of the season, raising questions - especially as she had begun to find real form.

Beth Mead, too, drew attention. Whether due to tactical shifts, competition, or the lingering effects of her ACL injury, she never quite found rhythm under Slegers. Stina Blackstenius was another who appeared increasingly on the outside looking in - despite moments of quality, her style didn’t fully mesh with the fluid, pressing-heavy system. Manu Zinsberger, meanwhile, seemed to suffer from reduced minutes and a subsequent dip in confidence, with some wondering if her benching was as psychological as it was tactical.

Ultimately, squad management emerged as both strength and friction point. Slegers’ system created standout performances across the pitch, but also left questions about depth rotation and opportunities for younger or fringe players. As one fan put it: 

“Young players like Kyra, Rosa, and Reid needed minutes - but results came first.” 

With the summer window looming, these dynamics may shape how Arsenal evolve next.

In Slegers We Trust?

When asked whether Renée Slegers is the right person to lead Arsenal forward, the answer was overwhelmingly positive: 97 out of 100 fans said yes. Of those, 58 were emphatic, “definitely”, while 39 expressed support with a note of caution, saying she needs more time. Only three respondents remained on the fence.

This near-unanimous backing is striking for a coach who’s been in charge for just part of a season. The reasons for that confidence were consistent: Slegers brought stability after a turbulent start, implemented a clear tactical identity, and most importantly, reignited belief, both in the players and among the fans.

“She has a strong philosophy, knows how to communicate it, and has already improved key players significantly.”

“The difference since she took over has been night and day.”

Fans noted not just improved results, but a sense of coherence and calm control on the pitch. The team looked organised, confident, and adaptable - qualities that had felt absent during the first part of the season.

But the “she needs more time” group also raised valid points. Many highlighted that Slegers inherited a squad already built by others, and that her ability to build her own team, through recruitment, preseason, and full tactical implementation, has yet to be tested.

“I like her a lot, but I want to see what she does with a full summer and a squad shaped in her image.”

“Still early days - good signs, but consistency will be key.”

A few mentioned concerns around squad rotation, reliance on certain players, and management of young talent, viewing these as growth areas for a manager still finding her feet at the top level.

The tiny sliver of uncertainty, just three respondents, didn’t reflect distrust so much as a desire to wait and see. Their tone wasn’t skeptical, just cautious.

Still, in a fanbase known for its passion and scrutiny, a 97% approval rating is remarkable. 

Slegers has, in a short time, earned not just results, but something rarer: trust.

Further Comments: A Clear Vision, Room to Grow

Across dozens of thoughtful responses, a consistent picture emerged: Renée Slegers has won the trust, admiration, and excitement of Arsenal fans. Many compared her impact to Mikel Arteta’s early days - describing her as a calming presence, a tactical mind, and a unifier between players and supporters.

Key themes included:

Transformational Impact - Multiple fans noted how quickly Slegers turned around a team that looked lost under Jonas Eidevall. Her tactical clarity, emotional intelligence, and belief in her players were widely praised.

Results & Big Moments - Highlights like reaching the Champions League final, big wins against Spurs, and emotional comebacks vs Lyon and Madrid were cited as proof of her ability to inspire and deliver.

Cautious Optimism - While there’s near-universal praise, fans acknowledged that consistency (e.g. losses to Villa, Brighton) and squad rotation need work. Her limited experience was noted, but seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a risk.

Summer Recruitment Will Be Key - Many stressed that the upcoming transfer window will be a true test. Fans want to see Slegers shape the squad in her image, adding depth and addressing obvious gaps, especially in defense and midfield.

Club Backing Is Crucial - There was a strong call for the club to financially support her - not just with player signings, but with a structure around her to match rivals like Chelsea.

Emotional Connection - Fans clearly feel something special, referring to “the Renéessance,” her humility, her speeches, and the sense that both players and supporters are reconnected with the club.

Cultural Shift - Several praised the symbolic importance of a woman leading a top club like Arsenal, calling for more support and visibility for female managers in football.

In short, Renée has changed the mood at Arsenal, and while questions remain, mostly around recruitment, rotation, and long-term consistency, there’s deep belief that she’s the right person for the job.

“She’s a breath of fresh air. We’ve got super Renée Slegers. May the Renéessance continue.”

A Few Final Words I Couldn't Leave Out

To end, here’s a handful of quotes that didn’t quite fit neatly into the sections above — but were too good, too heartfelt, or too powerful not to include. 

“She's the first manager we've had that I feel connected to as a fan, as well.”

“Win in Lisbon, Renee will get automatic legendary status, along with Vic Akers.” (Anthony Johansen)

“Hope that she will back herself. She knows what she's doing.” (Jen)

“Renee lifted the players and fans and made them believe. Believe in her. Believe in themselves. And most of all believe that Arsenal could dream big once again.” (Michael Almond)

“Sleger's post-match speech at the Emirates after the last match of the season really reinforced my belief that she's the right person for the job. The ‘But we will go there to win’ line got me right in heart.” (Sam Southall)

To everyone who shared their time, insight, and love for this club and Renée Slegers — thank you. This piece wouldn’t exist without you. It’s been incredible to follow this team as a fan, but also to write about them in this way. The season isn’t over yet — there’s one more game, one big opportunity. I’ll see you in Lisbon.