The departure of Jonas Eidevall as head coach was abrupt, yet it didn’t catch those within Arsenal off guard.
Following the 2-1 loss to Chelsea, which was accompanied by a mock P45 with Eidevall’s name displayed at the Emirates, The Athletic reported just three days later that the Swedish manager would be vacating his role. This was swiftly confirmed by an official Arsenal statement acknowledging his resignation.
At 41 years old, Eidevall’s choice to resign was influenced by a dismal nine-day stretch, leaving Arsenal sixth in the Women’s Super League (WSL) with only five points from the first four matches, and just two wins from seven outings across all competitions. This disappointing performance also included a significant 5-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
<p"Having signed a new three-year contract last October, Eidevall expressed that both he and the team were “hurting” after the defeat to Chelsea.
GO DEEPER
Eidevall’s Arsenal reign unravelled quickly but the writing was on the wall
After taking a day off on Sunday, Eidevall met with director of women’s football Clare Wheatley on Monday. The struggles of recent weeks had certainly taken a toll on him, and wanting to provide the team the best chance for success led him to make the tough call to step down.
On Tuesday morning, prior to training, Eidevall held an in-person meeting to inform the players and staff of his decision.
Many players, speaking on condition of anonymity to preserve relationships, were not surprised by the announcement due to the escalating pressure on Eidevall. They felt it was time for a fresh start. When questioned about whether the manager had lost the dressing room, multiple sources confirmed that they believed he had.
His exit was not entirely unexpected for those in senior positions at the club, as it was recognized that improvement in results was necessary, or personnel change might be on the horizon. With the team’s poor performance, discussions regarding recruitment had already commenced prior to Monday’s meeting, although a new appointment was not anticipated to be made immediately.
Renee Slegers, the assistant manager, was appointed as the interim head coach for Arsenal’s 4-1 Champions League group-stage victory against Valerenga on Wednesday. Wheatley, alongside sporting director Edu, will oversee the search for Eidevall’s successor. Despite much speculation linking former Arsenal player and current manager of Manchester United and San Diego Wave, Casey Stoney, to the role, the club is not considering her as a potential candidate at this time.
According to defender Emily Fox, Eidevall’s address to the players on Tuesday was “very sad and emotional,” following their win on Wednesday.
During the announcement of his departure, some players and staff were visibly affected. “He’s a great guy, and the decision was not made lightly,” Fox commented. “You can tell how much he cares about the club through his work ethic and professionalism every single day.”
Eidevall’s exit marked the end of a three-year journey that featured significant achievements, including reaching the Champions League semi-finals and ending Arsenal’s three-year trophy drought with two Continental Cup victories over Chelsea. However, his tenure ultimately succumbed to unprecedented pressure to achieve more with a roster full of high-quality players.
His management during an injury crisis in the 2022-23 season, which sidelined key players like Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Laura Wienroither, and Kim Little for extended periods, had earned him some goodwill at the club. Last September, after Arsenal missed out on the Champions League group stages, he was granted additional time, as it was understood that limited pre-season preparation following the 2023 World Cup adversely impacted their prospects.
However, Eidevall’s struggle to maximize player potential became increasingly apparent.
As his tenure neared its conclusion, doubts emerged regarding the performances of Arsenal, particularly in front of goal.
The team’s expected goals metrics (a measure indicating how many goals they should score based on the quality of opportunities created) demonstrated year-over-year improvement, increasing from 39.9xG in 2021-22 to 42.7xG in 2022-23, and reaching 53 xG last season.
Despite this progress, their proficiency in converting opportunities saw a decline, with Arsenal netting 65 goals (39.9xG) in the 2021-22 season, followed by 49 goals (42.7 xG) the next year, and finally scoring 53 goals last season (53 xG). In a competitive landscape with teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, who significantly surpassed their xG last season, simply matching one’s own xG isn’t sufficient.
This concern did not escape Eidevall, who highlighted the issue during a press conference prior to an FA Cup match against Watford in January, stating: “We have the best xG goal difference in the league, but that doesn’t secure trophies. Last year (2022-23), Manchester City led in xG goal difference yet finished in fourth place.”
“We have underperformed offensively and defensively based on xG. We concede more goals and score fewer than expected. While we create numerous chances, the quality of those chances is lacking, particularly against teams that defend deeply.”
As the collective failure to capitalize on opportunities became increasingly evident, the pressure mounted on those chances that slipped away. This growing tension, especially in matches deemed winnable, likely exacerbated the situation.
Although the sample size is limited early in this season, neither of Arsenal’s strikers, Stina Blackstenius nor Alessia Russo, has found the net in the WSL, suggesting a crisis of confidence.
One agent depicted a notably skilled team as resembling “a shadow of their former selves,” while sources suggested that players seemed to stall under Eidevall’s leadership.
“We have a locker room full of players eager to improve and progress, so the message is to stick together,” Russo remarked following the Valerenga match.
“As players, we have set high standards for ourselves. We’re aware that our results haven’t reflected our potential. We’ve been putting in substantial effort, and we are focused on remaining united to turn things around.”
Additionally, there was some unease regarding Eidevall’s tactical approach, which didn’t always align well with the more creative talents like Little, Mead, or summer acquisition.
Mariona Caldentey.
This summer, Cloe Lacasse departed from Arsenal after a single season with the team. In a conversation with TSN earlier this month, she remarked, “I’m a player who thrives on creativity, and I require certain freedoms to fully express my playing abilities. At one point, I found myself lacking the enjoyment in soccer that I had hoped for. Ultimately, you want to accumulate minutes on the pitch, score goals, and showcase your creativity, embodying your true self as a player. I felt that my qualities were somewhat constrained at Arsenal, which hindered my ability to display my best attributes.”
Moreover, Eidevall’s erratic team selections contributed to unrest within the squad. The head coach initially chose Manuela Zinsberger as the starter for the first four matches across all competitions, including the 2-2 WSL opener against Manchester City. However, he subsequently opted for new summer acquisition Daphne van Domselaar in the next two league matches, returning again to Zinsberger for the 5-2 loss against Bayern Munich, only to switch back to Van Domselaar for the weekend clash with Chelsea.
Since the beginning of last season, Eidevall has made 73 adjustments to his starting line-ups in the WSL—only surpassed by Chelsea’s tally of 85—while maintaining an unchanged squad on merely two occasions.
The dense fixture calendar, along with injuries, player departures, and a talented roster, has necessitated Eidevall’s rotation strategy. Nonetheless, the ongoing fluctuations caused some players to feel uncertain about their roles and positions within the hierarchy, leading to periods of disjointed play.
As Eidevall’s tenure progressed, team cohesion within the dressing room diminished. Subpar performances—especially in critical matches like those in the Champions League and against Chelsea—further eroded morale.
Concerns have emerged regarding the leadership of the women’s team, particularly concerning past seasons’ transfer activities (both incoming and outgoing) and the contributions of Wheatley.
Evaluations of Wheatley’s effectiveness vary. While some player agents describe him as a well-liked, efficient, and respected figure, others have pointed to a lack of consistent communication from leadership within the women’s structure. One agent characterized the women’s team as a “boat driven by itself.”
Despite these issues, Arsenal continues to be an attractive choice for players due to the club’s global presence, the women’s team’s rich history, regular matches at the Emirates, and a passionate fanbase. Nevertheless, one agent noted that a perception had developed indicating Arsenal was leaning on its brand to lure in players.
Eidevall possesses an analytical nature, and his dynamic, at times abrasive presence during games contrasts sharply with his demeanor off the pitch.
The viral footage featuring the head coach and Vivianne Miedema, which surfaced following last season’s 1-1 draw with Everton in the WSL, is often seen as representative of Eidevall’s coaching approach. In the video, recorded from a fan’s perspective during stoppage time, Eidevall is seen guiding Miedema back toward the dugout, seemingly after having asked the Dutch forward to warm up for a late substitution. Miedema appears to protest this direction to Eidevall.
Miedema departed the club in the summer when her contract ended. While Arsenal opted against offering a new deal, Miedema felt a lack of support from the organization. Her departure consequently created friction between Eidevall and the fanbase.
A portion of supporters attending Miedema’s final game with Arsenal displayed signs urging the WSL’s all-time top scorer to stay while simultaneously calling for Eidevall’s departure. This sentiment intensified during the manager’s concluding days at the helm. He faced boos from frustrated home fans after Chelsea netted their second goal in the 16th minute, along with a mocked-up P45 bearing Eidevall’s name and the phrase ‘Jonas Out’ spray-painted along Hornsey Road.
When he succeeded Joe Montemurro in the summer of 2021, one of Eidevall’s primary goals was to reestablish Arsenal as a contender against Chelsea and Manchester City. He swiftly accomplished this, defeating both teams within his first month in charge—an achievement that had taken Montemurro over a season to realize.
Nevertheless, in the ensuing years, the inconsistent performance of his team meant they never fully realized the potential that was widely recognized. The task of facing that challenge will now be left to another manager.
Additional reporting by Art de Roche
(Top photo: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
Arsenal Women’s Team Parts Ways with Jonas Eidevall: A Deep Dive into His Tenure and Departure
Overview of Jonas Eidevall’s Tenure
Jonas Eidevall took the helm of Arsenal Women’s Team in June 2021, succeeding the beloved Joe Montemurro. With a background in coaching various women’s teams, including Swedish side Rosengård, Eidevall was hailed for his tactical acumen and innovative approach. During his time at Arsenal, he aimed to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels of women’s football, both domestically and in Europe.
Key Achievements Under Eidevall
Under Eidevall’s management, Arsenal Women achieved significant milestones. Some notable accomplishments include:
- FA Cup Victory (2022): Eidevall led the team to an FA Cup triumph, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience.
- UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualification: The team consistently performed well in the league, ensuring a spot in the prestigious Champions League.
- Development of Young Talent: Eidevall placed a strong emphasis on integrating young players into the squad, such as Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum.
Tactical Style and Philosophy
Eidevall’s tactical style was characterized by:
- High Pressing Game: Arsenal often employed an aggressive pressing system, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch.
- Fluid Attacking Play: His teams were known for their fluidity in attack, with players frequently interchanging positions to confuse defenses.
- Defensive Organization: While promoting an attacking style, he also prioritized a solid defensive structure, often utilizing a back three in crucial matches.
Challenges Faced During His Tenure
Despite the successes, Eidevall’s tenure was not without its challenges. Key issues included:
- Injuries to Key Players: Frequent injuries to vital players such as Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson disrupted momentum.
- Inconsistency in League Performance: The team struggled with consistency, especially against lower-ranked sides, leading to dropped points that affected league standings.
- Champions League Disappointments: Although qualifying for the Champions League, the team faced hurdles in progressing past the group stages.
Reasons for Departure
The mutual decision for Eidevall to part ways with Arsenal came as a surprise to many. Several factors contributed to this significant shift:
Performance Pressure
The pressure to deliver consistent results was immense, especially with the high expectations set by the club’s management and fans. The need for immediate success, particularly in the league and Champions League, played a crucial role in the decision.
Club Direction
Reports indicated that Arsenal was looking to adopt a more aggressive approach in their pursuit of silverware. This strategic shift may have necessitated a change in managerial philosophy that did not align with Eidevall’s vision.
Player Dynamics and Morale
The dynamics within the squad also came under scrutiny. While Eidevall was praised for his player development, some players reportedly felt the need for a different coaching style to maximize their potential. This sentiment may have influenced the club’s decision regarding his tenure.
What Lies Ahead for Arsenal Women’s Team?
The departure of Jonas Eidevall opens up new possibilities for the Arsenal Women’s Team. Here are some potential paths for the team moving forward:
New Managerial Aspirations
The club will undoubtedly begin its search for a new head coach who can align with their vision for the future. Candidates will likely be assessed based on their tactical flexibility and ability to motivate and develop players.
Focus on Player Recruitment
With a new managerial approach, Arsenal may look to reassess their squad, focusing on player recruitment to fill any gaps left by departing players or to bolster specific positions.
Enhancing Training Methodologies
A change in management often leads to new training methodologies. The incoming coach might implement advanced training techniques and tactical strategies that could rejuvenate the team’s performance.
Benefits of the Managerial Change
The change in management can bring various benefits to the Arsenal Women’s Team:
- Revitalized Team Spirit: A new manager can inject fresh energy and ideas, fostering a more vibrant team atmosphere.
- Increased Motivation: New leadership can motivate players to elevate their performance levels, striving for personal and team achievements.
- Strategic Growth: A manager with a different tactical approach can enhance the squad’s overall strategic growth, making them more versatile in various competitions.
Case Studies of Successful Coaching Changes
To understand the potential impacts of Eidevall’s departure, let’s look at a couple of case studies in women’s football where managerial changes led to success:
| Team | Previous Manager | New Manager | Year of Change | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | Nick Cushing | Gareth Taylor | 2020 | FA Women’s Super League Champions 2020-21 |
| Barcelona Femeni | Lluis Cortes | Jonatan Giráldez | 2021 | UEFA Women’s Champions League Champions 2021-22 |
First-Hand Experiences from Players
As the news of Eidevall’s departure spread, several players expressed their sentiments. Here are some first-hand experiences and reflections:
- Vivianne Miedema: “Jonas brought a lot of positivity to our locker room. It’s sad to see him go, but I believe we can build on what we’ve learned.”
- Caitlin Foord: “His tactical insights helped me grow as a player. I hope our next manager continues to develop young talent.”
Practical Tips for Arsenal Women Moving Forward
As Arsenal Women move through this transitional period, several practical tips can enhance their journey:
- Focus on Team Cohesion: Engaging players in team-building activities can foster unity during the transition.
- Embrace Open Communication: Encouraging players to voice their thoughts can help address any concerns and build trust in new management.
- Set Clear Expectations: The new management should communicate their vision clearly to align the team’s goals and expectations.
Conclusion
Arsenal Women’s Team parting ways with Jonas Eidevall marks a pivotal moment in the club’s history. As the team navigates this new chapter, the potential for growth and success remains high. The journey ahead promises to be as exhilarating as the path they have just traversed. With the right leadership and a committed squad, Arsenal Women have the opportunity to rise to new heights in women’s football.
