Athletic reveals Jonas Eidevall HAD lost the Arsenal dressing room | OneFootball

The Athletic’s report on Jonas Eidevall’s departure from Arsenal sheds light on the underlying tensions that culminated in his resignation.

The article claims that while the news of his exit seemed sudden to the public, it was hardly a shock within the club.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jonas Eidevall, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

According to The Athletic, Eidevall’s position had become increasingly untenable after a series of poor performances, culminating in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, which prompted the now-infamous mocked-up P45 being waved at the Emirates.

The Athletic highlights that the decision for Eidevall to “step aside” was made following that disastrous nine-day spell that left Arsenal struggling in sixth place in the Women’s Super League, with only five points from their first four games.

The poor form extended across all competitions, with just two wins from their last seven matches, including a heavy 5-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Despite signing a new three-year deal last October, The Athletic reports that the pressure on Eidevall had reached breaking point.

The Athletic claims that several players felt Eidevall had lost the dressing room, with multiple sources indicating that the friction was evident. Many players believed that change was necessary to rejuvenate the squad.

The article details that after a meeting with director of women’s football Clare Wheatley, Eidevall made the decision to step down. By Tuesday, he had informed the team in what was described as an emotional meeting.

Emily Fox, quoted in the article, described the farewell as “very sad and emotional”, underscoring the personal impact Eidevall’s departure had on the squad. While his tenure had seen significant highs, such as leading Arsenal to the Champions League semi-finals and winning two Continental Cups, The Athletic points out that the rising expectations and failure to meet them ultimately caught up with the Swede.

The Athletic also touches on a stylistic clash between Eidevall and some of Arsenal’s more creative players, such as Kim Little, Beth Mead, and new signing Mariona Caldentey. Cloe Lacasse, who left Arsenal after just one season, spoke to The Athletic about feeling restricted by Eidevall’s system, suggesting that the limitations placed on creative players were a source of frustration.

Arsenal’s recruitment strategy also came under scrutiny in The Athletic’s analysis. Clare Wheatley, the director of women’s football, received mixed reviews, with some agents praising her as effective and well-liked, while others criticised inconsistencies in communication. The perception that Arsenal had relied too heavily on their brand and history, rather than adapting proactively, was also highlighted as an area of concern.

The Athletic notes that when Eidevall took over in 2021, his goal was to restore Arsenal’s standing against top rivals like Chelsea and Manchester City. While he initially achieved success by beating both teams early in his tenure, the subsequent years were marked by inconsistency.

The Athletic’s report paints a picture of a coach who began with promise but ultimately fell short of sustaining a competitive edge, losing the faith of both his players and the supporters.

The task of harnessing the talent within Arsenal’s ranks will now fall to a new manager, one who must re-establish the club as a consistent force at the top of women’s football.

Who that will be is anyone’s guess.