Jonas Eidevall’s move to San Diego Wave sparks hope and questions for the NWSL club | OneFootball

The arrival of Jonas Eidevall to San Diego Wave opens new perspectives for the club but immediately opens questions about what highs and lows defined his time at Arsenal. At age 41, the Swedish coach arrives with an extensive résumé full of titles but also moments of difficulty in the decisive situations.

Achievements and limitations at Arsenal

At Arsenal, Eidevall certainly had his high points, and equally so some challenges that just could not be left unnoticed. Having taken charge of the club for back-to-back FA Women's League Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, he also guided the team to a UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal in 2022/23, their best European run in over a decade. The successes, however, came hand in hand with frustrations.

During his time, Eidevall failed to topple Chelsea from the summit of the WSL. While he did manage to keep Arsenal in the top three throughout his time, he failed to win the league, thus leaving a void at a club that is accustomed to being a frontrunner. The Champions League semifinals, though big, also ended in defeat to more seasoned opponents, thus ending hopes of reclaiming European glory.

A rocky start and the end at Arsenal

The season 2024/25 started with the setbacks that finally sealed Eidevall's premature exit. A symbolic home defeat to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium became the breaking point after just seven matches in an already tense atmosphere, with boos around the stands-a reflection of dissatisfaction not only with the results but also with not being able to make the leap so far necessary to regularly compete with the best teams in Europe.

These challenges outlined the limits of Eidevall's work when working in high-pressure conditions, yet simultaneously brought important lessons into his new chapter at San Diego Wave. He enters the U.S. as a more seasoned coach and is most probably aware of those very nuances that accompany great expectations.

A fresh start at San Diego Wave

Pressure at Arsenal to fight giants, now he has the license with San Diego Wave to write a story from the very first page. With the team having an identity in construction, maybe the Swedish manager can seal ambitions in place and make sure that results are achieved. On bringing in Eidevall, the General Manager of San Diego Wave Camille Ashton has spoken about just how meticulous the recruitment process was to his hiring:

“After an extensive global search, Jonas emerged as the ideal head coach for San Diego Wave. His experience, tactical knowledge, and ability to develop players stood out throughout the process. Jonas has a proven track record of building competitive, cohesive, and dynamic teams. We’re confident he will help us reach new heights and continue driving our success on the field.”

This environment gives Eidevall room to implement his vision with less immediate pressure than what he had to face at Arsenal, though there is an evident aspiration towards growth and competitiveness.

A legacy of learning and resilience

Though the Swede failed to secure the WSL title or European glory, his spell at Arsenal wasn't a waste. He proved capable of managing strong squads, developing talent, and being competitive in high-intensity environments. The experience he picked up-lessons from setbacks included-could be a vital factor as he confronts the NWSL's different demands. He will be forced to change his approach Stateside, where the draft system and strict salary cap are alien to him.