After two consecutive significant losses for Arsenal, they are looking to end the domestic season on a high with a win as they host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow. Here is what manager Renée Slegers had to say:

Team news and departing players

Slegers confirmed the team news updates ahead of Saturday’s game:

“So we have three players not available, Daphne van Domselaar, Lina Hurtig, and Katie Reid.” She went on to say, “the rest is fit and in contention.”

Understand Katie Reid picked up a knock against Aston Villa https://t.co/jGoMIK0VQo

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) May 9, 2025

She was also asked about whether players like Amanda Ilestedt would get minutes against United due to their upcoming departures from the club.

“We have a very big squad and a lot of players available at the moment, and there’s a lot at stake, so I’m only thinking about the game and the result we need tomorrow, so I’m planning accordingly." 

She declined to comment on the contract negotiations going on with other members of the squad.

Alessia Russo is a key member of the squad

Slegers was asked about Russo’s contributions this season, and how important she’s been for the team.

“So, the obvious one is, of course, goal scoring contribution, which has been great and very important for us. But all the things you see in the background, the way she trains, the way she treats people, very humble, respectful, and always wants to learn.”

Adding, “I’m very impressed by Alessia, and it’s a privilege to work with her.”

Consistency is key, but Arsenal have proved themselves

When asked about the need for more consistency next season, and whether that needs to be improved, Slegers was quick to praise her squad.

“I think we’ve been very consistent over long periods of time… we don’t see that we lack consistency... I think we have a great foundation, and we believe in what we’re doing, and again, if we perform at our best, then we are very good.”

Manchester United’s defence are solid

Slegers discussed the solidity of United’s defence, having conceded the least goals in the league this season.

“They have a very impressive record… and of course, a great goalkeeper as well. We see opportunities, of course, like any other team we play against… I think we are really good at finding ways to score goals… we showed that against Lyon for example, who had conceded very little before, but we know it’s going to be hard work tomorrow to find those opportunities.” 

Regulating emotions within the squad is important 

Slegers spoke of how she manages to regulate the emotions of the players and staff when preparing for big games. 

“When we focus on the task… when we’re task focused, the emotions don’t take control of us because we know what we need to do in that moment and we’re focussed on the action that we want to execute and that’s what we train in trainings.” 

She also mentioned how she helps herself to relax: 

“Personally I believe I can train my brain as well, with mindfulness exercises, for example, and to keep the attention on the right things.”