Renee Slegers to remain Arsenal's interim head coach until Christmas

Renee Slegers is set to remain Arsenal's interim head coach up until Christmas, 90min understands.

Slegers took the post following Jonas Eidevall's resignation in late October, and has since led the Gunners on a seven-game unbeaten run.

Sources also revealed that the club are in a positive place in their search for a new manager, and the process will remain ongoing over the next weeks.

This means that the 35-year-old will stay in control of the north-London club for their upcoming fixtures in the Women's Super League (WSL) against Aston Villa and Liverpool, as well as their UEFA Women's Champions League meetings with Valerenga and Bayern Munich.

Speaking to press on Friday ahead of the club's clash against Villa, Slegers said: "I'm happy to contribute to the team. I was really happy in the role I was contributing in before, and now I'm stepping in doing this.

I enjoy the role, I enjoyed the other role as well. I'm just happy to be with Arsenal at the moment."

She remained tight-lipped when asked whether or not she wants the permanent role in the future. I enjoy it at the moment," affirmed Slegers. "I don't know about the future, I just do everything I can in my role at the moment."

Speaking about her time in charge, Slegers explained: "As a group, we've highlighted what we wanted to do. I think the players have been taking big ownership in holding themselves and each other accountable for a lot of things, so we've tried to facilitate and lead that process. But again, big credit to the group of players.

The uncertainty might pose a challenge for the Gunners as the playing group still await news on their future manager. Slegers assured that the club are "taking it day by day" during then process.

"That's the reality we're in, but we're actually trying to turn into something very positive for us," she added. "That means being here in the now. Let's be being living in the day, because we don't know about tomorrow. I think everyone's been very professional, both players and staff."

Arsenal forward Beth Mead was pleased with the club's decision to keep Slegers until the end of 2024.“We've been doing really well under Renée," said Mead. "I think most, if not everyone, is very happy about her being in charge still. We're happy in the place we are in as a team and with Renée right now.”

Former New York City FC manager Nick Cushing emerged as a supposed 'primary target' for Arsenal in October, but he quickly ruled himself out. At the time, he was still in charge of the MLS club, but his recent departure has reignited rumours that he could be in the running for the vacant position.

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