Renee Slegers says Arsenal are prepared for the “unknown” when they play Corinthians in the Women’s Champions Cup final.
The Gunners are bidding to become the first winners of the competition, with the two sides set to meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal thrashed Moroccan side AS FAR in the semi-finals, while Corinthians edged out NWSL champions Gotham FC.
Despite being favourites, Slegers say Arsenal remain “humble” due to the “unknown” nature about their opponents.
What did Arsenal boss Renee Slegers say about Corinthians?
Speaking in her pre-match press conference, Slegers said: “We are very respectful of the opposition. We are very humble also because of the unknown and because they are champions.
“So, we go into this game believing in ourselves, knowing how good we are. We are happy to play at our home stadium, but also with a lot of humility and respect for the opposition. And it’s a final, so they are going to give absolutely everything together with the fans. So, we are prepared for that.”
Slegers added that Arsenal showed they were “comfortable with the unknown” in their win over AS FAR on Wednesday.
She added: “Of course there is experiences the players have from national team football, playing against Brazil or other South American teams. “So there are experiences in the team and the players are sharing that amongst each other.
“We are preparing for it tactically, we see who they are, what they can do. I think they had a great performance against Gotham. They defended so well with a lot of discipline and they have qualities to score, which they did in the game, so we’re planning and trying to plan for all aspects, but also focusing on ourselves.”
Criticism over Women’s Champions Cup
While there has been some compliments over a competition including teams from across the world of women’s football, there have also been some concerns.
Clubs reportedly expressed concern over Arsenal’s “significant advantage” at the Women’s Champions Cup.
Arsenal have the logistical advantage with the tournament being held in London and the final played at their own Emirates Stadium.
Also, while Arsenal are in the middle of their season, Gotham FC and Corinthians are effectively in pre-season.
Gotham FC players, including Jess Carter and Ann-Katrin Berger slammed the timing of the competition after their semi-final exit.
Carter said she didn’t think “anyone was happy” with the tournament being held in January.
There are similar concerns over the Club World Cup, which will be introduced in January 2028. The WSL has called on FIFA to move the Club World Cup to the summer.
