‘We want to do better’ – Arsenal keen to bounce back after FA Cup exit says Slegers | OneFootball

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers says that her team were angry following last weekend’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Liverpool and that they want to do better against Everton on Friday evening.

The Reds’ 1-0 victory over The Gunners was ‘the shock of the round’. The result meant that Arsenal’s nine-year wait to win back the Adobe Women’s FA Cup rolled on.

The North Londoners return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Friday evening when they travel to Everton and head coach Slegers says that there is a desire within her team to do better.

“It was very disappointing; not what we wanted, not the performance we wanted at all,” Slegers said when speaking in the pre-match press conference. “The players were angry on Monday and we want to do better as a collective moving forward.

“We can’t impact that [last game] anymore, it’s behind us and we want to look forward. On Friday, it’s a very important game against Everton in the league. We know we’re still active in the Champions League as well, so we have a big month coming up.”

Arsenal were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Everton in the reverse fixture back in October and Slegers admits that the Merseysiders are an even stronger opponent five months on.

She said “They are a challenging team. They’re one of the most unpredictable tactically, so we’ll have to be prepared.

“It was 0-0 at home but I think we did a lot of things quite well in that game, we just didn’t score.

“They’ve recruited new players and I think they’re strong at the moment. They’re strong at their home ground, so we know it’s a big challenge. We also believe in what we’re doing.

“I watched training today on the pitch and we look like ourselves again, so that’s very positive.”

Arsenal’s trophy hopes look slim with the UEFA Women’s Champions League being the only real opportunity that the club have of winning something this season. Slegers said that the aim right now is to build winning momentum.

She said “I think from the inside and the process we’re in, [the aim] would be building a winning culture. There’s much to it and it’s on a daily basis; what actions and behaviours we do day-to-day. Of course, a successful season for the club would be prizes at the end of the season.”

Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Everton kicks-off at 7pm on Friday evening.