Renee Slegers: 'Arsenal can beat any team in Europe'

Interim head coach Renee Slegers says Arsenal have what it takes to go all the way in the UEFA Women's Champions League after finishing top of their group on Wednesday.

Arsenal left it late to claim a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich as Mariona Caldentey converted from the spot to send the side to the top of the their group standings.

Speaking after the win at Meadow Park, Slegers said: "The girls were very composed today with all the scenarios they had to deal with, with goals being scored against, us leading, them coming back, the weather conditions. I was very impressed with how the girls stayed composed and focused on the task.

"It wasn’t always the prettiest football, but it was hard to play pretty football today," Slegers admitted. "I am happy we found a way to win when the situation doesn’t allow us to play our game and we have to respect our opponent, but we found a way to win. It shows big mental strength within the team."

Despite chasing a 2-1 deficit heading into the final third, the Gunners came from behind thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Caldentey. Although Arsenal were chasing, Slegers said she knew the momentum would swing back in their favour.

"There was even more belief that we had momentum and fresh players and I think the players felt that," she explained. "The players talked about it so their minds were set on that, to stay in the game whatever the scenario or situation, and they did that well today."

After topping the group, Arsenal will now face one of Real Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg or Women's Super League (WSL) opponents Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"It was mostly important for us to keep on winning, that was the main goal," emphasised Slegers. "If we look at the eight teams that progress to the quarter-finals, they are all very good teams. Women’s football is growing so much that there is more quality spread and more teams. Either way it is going to be a big challenge."

Arsenal fans have been walking in a wonderland since Slegers took on the interim role, yet to taste defeat in 11 consecutive fixtures. Slegers expressed how she has found the "very intense" experience of being in charge in north-London.

"It is a big club with big players, great players, great resources and facilities," she added. "There was already such a great foundation, but I have learned a lot about what this role is in a big club like Arsenal. I have enjoyed it, I have enjoyed working with the players and the staff. It has been a very good period, I am happy for the team we get this result."

The club confirmed this month that Slegers would remain interim head coach until Christmas. Slegers provided some clarity on her future as fans call for her permanent appointment.

"We had two objectives from this block, to be in striking distance in the WSL and we climbed one spot," she said. "Also to qualify for the quarter-finals and, if we can, win the group, so we are successful with both which is very strong. It has been very intense with many challenges to overcome as a team, we just need the break and I am sure I will have communication with the club, but I want to have a break too."

The Dutch coach confirmed that she will be "heading back to Sweden and the Netherlands" for some well deserved rest this Christmas.

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