Slegers: Arsenal have ‘real hunger’ to end WSL title wait | OneFootball

Anne Butzelaar, Women's Football Editor

Arsenal manager Renée Slegers says there is a “real hunger” within her squad to challenge for the Women’s Super League title as the Gunners prepare to begin their 2026/27 campaign away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, at 12pm BST at Broadfield Stadium.

The Gunners enter the new season looking to build on their recent European success and translate that onto the domestic stage, having not lifted the WSL trophy since the 2018/19 campaign.

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s season opener, Slegers made no attempt to hide Arsenal’s ambitions.

“We’ve been open with it; that’s something we’re going after,” she said. “Of course we are, because we are Arsenal, and that’s something we should have as a goal. The WSL, I think the last time was 2018/19 for Arsenal, and there’s a real hunger.”

While Slegers stressed that the Champions League and FA Cup remain important targets, she believes the demands of a league campaign provide a particular test of the qualities Arsenal want to demonstrate this season. “With the two teams coming in, there are more games,” she explained. “It’s symbolic of endurance and consistency, and that’s something where we really have our minds set on.”

A stronger Arsenal?

Arsenal have been busy strengthening their squad over the summer, with much of their transfer business completed early enough for new arrivals to benefit from a full pre-season. Slegers believes the result is the strongest squad she has worked with during her time in north London. Asked directly whether that was the case, she replied: “Yeah, I would say so.”

The Arsenal boss was particularly enthusiastic about the variety now available to her, something she hopes can help turn the draws which proved costly last season into victories. “The quality of players that we have here now and the variety, there are so many things that we can bring to a game now,” Slegers said. “When I talk about Brighton and unpredictability, we want to be unpredictable as well with what we do, what the game plan is and what personnel we have on the pitch. I do think we have the tools this year.”

Arsenal’s recruitment strategy has combined players entering their prime years with younger prospects, and Slegers praised the work carried out behind the scenes by the club’s recruitment department.

“Age is part of what we look at as one of the factors,” she explained. “I’m really happy that we get players in in their prime ages, where we see they’re at their prime but there’s more to come from these players. But also the younger ones, we were so happy we got them on board. They chose us. They want to be part of Arsenal as well.”

The Gunners also completed the signing of experienced defender Elisa De Almeida from Paris Saint-Germain yesterday, with Slegers highlighting how the France international’s profile suits Arsenal’s style.

“She’s competed at the highest level. She’s been at PSG for five years now. She brings experience,” Slegers said. “She’s good on the ball, which you have to be at Arsenal. She has a good athletic profile as well. If you look at how our games usually play out, it’s fast attacks and counterattacks that you have to manage really, really well, and she has the speed and the mobility to do that.”

Looking ahead at Brighton

Before Arsenal can begin thinking about a potential title challenge, however, they must negotiate a difficult opening assignment down south. Brighton proved a troublesome opponent for the Gunners last season, and Slegers is expecting another demanding encounter on Sunday. “They’re a stubborn team. I think they’re a good team,” Slegers said. “They know when to press and press aggressively and make spaces small quickly. But they also know how to be patient and make it really compact in front of their goal. It’s been hard games for us. We acknowledge that. We won the game at the Emirates, but the other two weren’t the results we wanted.”

Brighton have since undergone a late managerial change in Arturo Ruiz, adding another element of uncertainty to Arsenal’s preparations. Slegers, though, suggested unpredictability is something Arsenal have already come to expect from the Seagulls.

“We try to prepare for things, but there might be things happening on the pitch that we haven’t prepared for,” she said. “Then we have principles that we can lean back on, and we can problem-solve in the moment. That’s something that’s been typical for our games against Brighton anyway.”

That ability to adapt could be particularly important for an Arsenal side determined to avoid repeating the slow starts which have hampered previous title challenges. Slegers confirmed the issue has been discussed throughout the club.

“We’ve spoken about it with the staff, the captains, the player group, and everyone is aware of it,” she said. “From there, it’s important that we are in the moment, that we do everything we can in the moment towards our season ambition, but also start with the end in mind. We know the hurdles we had last year. There’s strong awareness.”

Team news

Arsenal will travel to Brighton with the majority of their squad available.

Slegers confirmed that Daphne van Domselaar, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are currently the club’s three rehabilitation players, with the remainder of the squad fit. Élisa De Almeida is unlikely to feature, having only recently joined the group after completing her visa process.

“It will probably be too early,” Slegers said. “She played 120 minutes against Frankfurt. She was here yesterday, first day yesterday. Her visa still had to come through. That would be one session to then go in, so it’s probably a little bit too early. We really want to get it right with her, and next week will be a full training week for her.”

With greater depth, increased competition for places and a clear ambition to reclaim the WSL crown, Slegers is now eager to see six weeks of preparation translated into competitive football.

“The desire and the quality and the alignment and connection that we’ve created within our squad, that’s what I’m really excited to see,” she said. “That’s all good and that’s all nice, and it’s a great foundation. But now, let’s go and play competitive games.”