Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers says mid-match TV interviews are ‘not ideal’ | OneFootball

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Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers has admitted that mid-match TV interviews are ‘not ideal’ after their introduction this season.

Slegers was interviewed at half-time during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over the London City Lionesses on Saturday.

However, she admitted that working with broadcasters is important for the growth of the women’s game.

Renee Slegers raises concerns over mid-match TV interviews

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers has admitted she is not fully convinced by the new mid-match and half-time TV interviews introduced in the Women’s Super League this season.

Speaking after being asked to take part during Arsenal’s opening match, Slegers called the initiative “not ideal” for coaches who rely on those moments to organise their teams.

As per The Guardian, she said: “It was something they did in the Swedish league as well, so I’ve done it before.

“Of course, I want to focus on my team and half-time is crucial for us, so it’s not ideal from a coaching perspective, but I also see the bigger picture that we have to collaborate with broadcasters.

“Every single piece that we can develop in the women’s game is positive for us.”

Slegers gave her interview at half-time with Arsenal leading 2-1, while injured captain Leah Williamson handled in-game duties during a pause for substitutions.

Williamson is missing the start of the season after undergoing a minor surgery following Euro 2025.

Which other players and managers were involved in half-time interviews?

Arsenal were not the only club asked to take part in the new format. London City Lionesses manager Jocelyn Precheur spoke to the BBC midway through the first half of his side’s meeting with Arsenal.

His interview took place just minutes after Kosovare Asllani scored from the penalty spot and came with his back turned to the pitch.

Precheur later joked he was relieved not to have been called upon again in the second half – as the Lionesses went on to lose 4-1.

Elsewhere, Lucy Bronze joined Sky Sports from the press box at Stamford Bridge, offering her thoughts while Chelsea’s match was ongoing.

The injured England defender was even asked about commercial matters, such as the club’s new shorts sponsor, while play continued.

Bronze is out of action after revealing she played through Euro 2025 with a fractured leg.

Why have mid-match interviews been introduced?

The in-game and half-time interviews are part of the latest broadcast deal between the WSL, Sky Sports and the BBC.

Under the new rules, each manager is required to give one in-game and one half-time interview per season. These will not take place every weekend but will instead be used when broadcasters feel they will add to coverage.

The move is intended to provide greater access for viewers and to attract younger audiences, with football authorities keen to make the women’s game more engaging.

Similar experiments have been trialled in the Premier League, reflecting a wider shift in how football is presented on television.

Reactions to the new interview format have been far from unanimous. Some in the game see it as a step toward giving women’s football more visibility, but many supporters have been quick to express their unhappiness.

Social media responses were filled with criticism, with fans arguing that the interviews risk pulling coaches and players away from what is happening on the pitch. There were also worries that viewers could miss key moments such as substitutions or even goals.