‘We can make history here’ – Champions Cup success would be special for Arsenal says Slegers | OneFootball

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers says that success in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup would be very special for the club.

The Gunners kick-off their two-game series with a semi-final fixture against Moroccan side AS FAR in Brentford this evening.

Participation in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup is Arsenal’s reward for winning last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Slegers said that winning the first-ever edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup would be special.

“We’re in four competitions and we want to go for every trophy,” Slegers said. “Winning trophies is always going to be special for players, for me and my role as well. It’s the first time [that the competition has been staged], so we can make history here. That will be very special for us.”

Opponents AS FAR have won 10 consecutive Moroccan Women’s Championship titles and Slegers believes that the club will have a point to prove in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

She said “They have been very dominant in their league, they are on the ball a lot, they have quality on the ball, technical players, so we’ll see what they do coming out against us.

“From what I understand, they want to leave a mark at this stage and they want to show who they are. I’m expecting a fearless team out on the pitch and exactly what that means and how they’re going to attack this game we’ll see. We have to plan for different scenarios, but I expect a team wanting to show their identity and be fearless on the pitch.”

Providing her overall thoughts on the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, Slegers said that it will be fascinating for Arsenal to test themselves against world opposition.

She said “We are very proud that we are part of this competition. We are part of this competition because we won the Champions League last year and it will be interesting and challenging to measure ourselves against top teams from other continents. We’re looking forward to the game [against AS FAR].”

Arsenal’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup semi-final tie against AS FAR kicks-off at 6pm.