Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Rene Slagers as their permanent head coach.

Slagers has been in charge on an interim basis since October following the resignation of Jonas Ideval.

The Women’s Super League side are third, seven points behind Chelsea.

And after a successful spell, the Sledgers will be hoping to restore the Gunners’ dominance in women’s football.

Speaking for the first time as permanent manager, she said: “I’m very happy to sit here and together we’ve decided to move forward in this way.

“I’ve just seen what the players are doing and how we’re connecting with the staff and the club and the fans. That really put into my decision to get the job because obviously when I was thrown into it, it was very sudden, it was very unexpected, and I came here to serve the club, but then during the interim period, it started to grow. . .

Arsenal are here to stay ❤️

Renee Slagers is officially our permanent head coach. pic.twitter.com/u6j53jBekJ

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) January 17, 2025

“You start looking at things long term and you see where we were going as a team and also the connection with the fans.

“I think I mentioned the game against Manchester United where we didn’t get the three points, we got the one point, but we did really well and the fans are supporting us and supporting us. I think it was a defining moment for me as well to see, okay, we can build something here. There is something positive we can create. It is increasing during those months.

“Obviously, (interim head coach) is a role I’ve never done before, so it’s interesting to see how you handle a role like that when a head coach leaves suddenly.

“I think we had a game against Valerenga the next day so we had to go straight away. So it’s been a lot of learning for me, but it’s been full of fun. (I’m tired) To create a relaxed atmosphere where fun, togetherness is very important and trying to empower players, staff and it’s interesting. I have enjoyed my time in the interim role.”