Arsenal women’s safe atmosphere praised as new boss shortlisted | OneFootball

This week’s Arsenal Women news highlights include Jeremie Aliadiere’s views on the rise of women’s football and his daughter’s experiences at Arsenal matches, Alessia Russo’s recent accolade as England Women’s Player of the Year, and potential coaching changes following Jonas Eidevall’s departure.

LONDON – OCTOBER 31: Cesc Fabregas shoots at goal watched by Thierry Henry (L) and Jeremie Aliadiere during the Arsenal training session at their London Colney training ground on October 31, 2006 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal men’s player Jeremie Aliadiere has praised the rising prominence of Arsenal Women, noting the secure and family-friendly atmosphere that has allowed his teenage daughter Ava to fully immerse herself in women’s football.

Speaking at the Copa del Cure Leukaemia tournament at St George’s Park, Aliadiere explained that witnessing the growth of the women’s game has given him the confidence to allow Ava, now 16, to attend matches without him.

Aliadiere, now an Arsenal supporter who works within the club’s media department, spoke enthusiastically about the quality of the Arsenal Women squad and the community it fosters. “It’s good fun, and it’s a shame that the manager (Jonas Eidevall) had to resign after a difficult start to the season,” he said. “We’ve got so many great players with great qualities that I believe they can turn it around and have a successful end to the season.”

He also praised the environment of women’s games as distinctively different from the men’s fixtures. “It’s a different crowd between the men’s and women’s first team. You get more kids and families, and obviously more women too. That’s why I let my girl of 16 go on her own because I feel like it’s a secure and nice environment to be in,” Aliadiere added.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: A general view as the LED Screen displays the match attendance of “60, 050” during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

With 11 Arsenal Women’s matches set to be held at the Emirates this season, Aliadiere stressed the importance of young female fans being able to see their heroes play on the same iconic stage as the men.

“Being an Arsenal fan doesn’t mean being solely a fan of the men’s team, I support everybody who wears that shirt,” he said, emphasising the unity of the club and the opportunities this creates for young girls. Reflecting on Leah Williamson‘s journey, Aliadiere highlighted how having role models on the pitch is crucial for girls’ ambitions, allowing them to believe their football dreams are achievable.

In managerial news, Arsenal Women are exploring options for Jonas Eidevall’s successor following his recent resignation.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Nick Cushing, manager of Manchester City Women laughs with fans as he leaves the pitch after the Barclays FA Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at The Academy Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Among the shortlisted candidates is Nick Cushing, former Manchester City Women’s manager and currently in charge of New York City FC.

Cushing is one of only three coaches to have won the Women’s Super League title in the last decade and led Manchester City to a flawless WSL triumph in 2016

He is under contract at New York City FC until the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Although Cushing is seen as a strong contender, Arsenal are reportedly not in a rush to make a swift decision, with interim head coach Renée Slegers delivering positive early results, including two wins from two.

Slegers, a former Arsenal youth player herself, has indicated that her focus remains firmly on the interim role, with no current aspirations for the permanent position.

Meanwhile, Alessia Russo has been awarded the ‘England Women’s Player of the Year 2023-24 connected by EE’ after an impressive season for both club and country.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Alessia Russo of Arsenal Football Club during the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 First Round Mini-Tournament Final match between Arsenal and Rosenborg at Meadow Park on September 07, 2024. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old striker’s performances earned her the award through a public vote, seeing off competition from her national teammates Lauren James and Lucy Bronze.

Russo joined Arsenal in 2023, and her immediate impact was felt both in the Women’s Super League and on the international stage.

With six goals from 11 matches for England over the season, Russo’s contributions were crucial in helping the Lionesses qualify for UEFA EURO 2025.

Adding to the broader context of women’s football, UEFA has announced that four nations—Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and Wales—are interested in hosting the Women’s Champions League final in 2027, underlining the growing momentum behind the women’s game across Europe.

Arsenal Women will return to WSL action on 3 November, facing Manchester United away, as they look to build on recent successes and continue their push for domestic honours under interim leadership.