Team News

Slegers confirmed that Lotte Wubben-Moy remains unavailable for selection, while Daphne van Domselaar is fully available. Laia Codina is a doubt for the match as she continues to deal with some issues.

Slegers on Pitch Conditions

The Arsenal manager emphasised the importance of playing on a good surface but highlighted that both teams must adapt to the conditions:

"We like to play on a good surface. Every team does. It's always going to be two teams competing on the same surface. Both teams have to deal with it, we don't blame the pitch." 

She added, "I think women's football deserves to play on good surfaces."

Slegers on Rosa Kafaji

Slegers acknowledged Kafaji’s talent but emphasised the need for patience in a competitive squad:

"Rosa is a great player, young player, talented with huge potential. At the moment we have so many good players available, it's a lot of decisions for us to make. Sometimes young players have to have patience, work hard and the chance will come."

She also noted, "Not always everyone will agree, everyone wants to play. Sometimes it's about agreeing to disagree."

Facing Liverpool

Slegers praised Liverpool's discipline and acknowledged the challenge ahead:

"Impressed with what Liverpool are doing. They are a hard team to beat, very disciplined. All teams have threats, we try to learn from that game and nullify them as much as possible."

She added, "I think they've always been a very good team. [...] We're definitely very aware of where they're at as a team and the threats they can pose on us."

Looking Ahead

When asked about balancing Liverpool and future fixtures, Slegers kept her focus on the immediate task:

"We know what the task is, of course it's 2-0 to Madrid, we need to turn it around. But I'm not there yet, tomorrow is Liverpool. We look forward to that."

She also shared her appreciation for Arsenal fans:

"With these fans that are following us everywhere, the energy they bring. They give us something extra."