Reactions are beginning to emerge from the women’s football world after the recent departure of Jonas Eidevall from Arsenal. Sarina Wiegman, manager of the Lionesses, has been quizzed on her feelings around the resignation in a press conference earlier today.
The Gunners boss relieved himself of his duties on October 15 after a sustained set of disappointing results in the Women’s Super League and Champions League. Despite winning the League Cup twice, his performance as manager had left a lot to be desired by fans and his peers alike.
Eidevall and Wiegman crossed over significantly throughout his time at the Arsenal helm as they managed several of the same players. England legend Leah Williamson, captain of both teams, is the most obvious connection between the two.
‘I was a little bit in shock’ as Jonas Eidvall leaves Arsenal
Wiegman wasted no time in sharing her candid thoughts on his departure. “I just heard it, to be honest I was a little bit in shock. I didn’t expect that,” Wiegman explained to the media. “Of course that’s really sad. I had a good working relationship with him. I was a little bit flabbergasted to be honest.” The England boss summarized.
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Despite manager pressure at such a high intensity, being fairly new to the women’s game, it’s not necessarily an unwelcome addition to the fans. Wiegman added “The game is growing so much, and is so visible, and with a few clubs in the Champions League, it’s getting bigger and bigger” Wiegman explained, a sign that the added scrutiny on managers is a true sign of growth.
Wiegman however is keen to see managers get more time in their roles amongst the scrutiny “That’s [public pressure] also become part of the game, and unfortunately this is a negative one. Lots of things are very positive, but also some negative things are coming with that too”
It’s interesting to see how as the women’s game grows exponentially how fan opinion can force the hand of managers and clubs with decisions like these going forward.
