Jonas Eidevall Criticizes WSL for 'Amateurish Behavior' Following Chelsea Fixture Postponement

Jonas Eidevall Critiques WSL Scheduling: Amateurish Behavior Affects Teams

Arsenal's head coach, Jonas Eidevall, has expressed strong concerns about the recent scheduling decisions made by the Women's Super League (WSL). In a recent press conference, he described the WSL's handling of fixture rescheduling as "amateurish behavior," which he believes is detrimental to English teams competing in European competitions, particularly his own club, Arsenal.

Recent Fixture Postponements

The criticism comes on the heels of an announcement that Chelsea's upcoming league clash with Manchester United has been postponed. This decision was primarily taken due to concerns regarding player welfare. Chelsea stands out as one of three English teams in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Impact on Arsenal and Manchester City

While Chelsea's match has been postponed, Arsenal and Manchester City are scheduled to proceed with their WSL fixtures on the upcoming weekend. This arrangement leaves Arsenal facing Bayern Munich and Manchester City competing against Barcelona just days after their league matches.

Eidevall's Concerns

"It's not a good situation," Eidevall told reporters in reference to the mismatch in schedules. He highlighted that out of the 16 teams participating in the Champions League, only Arsenal and Manchester City have matches on Sunday, October 6, while other clubs play earlier, thus providing them with more preparation time.

Unequal Preparation Times

The Arsenal manager lamented the scheduling, emphasizing that it creates an unfair disadvantage for English teams in Europe. "The only other team scheduled to play was Chelsea, and the disparity in postponement has real effects on our preparation for crucial matches," he stated.

Consequences for Fans and the League

Eidevall's concerns extend beyond just the players; he fears the impact on fans. He believes that moving games can be damaging to supporters who invest their time and money into watching matches. "We need to consider how these changes affect those who are supporting us and make sure we're acting in their interest," he said.

Call for Change in Scheduling Practices

Despite the challenges posed by fixture congestion, Eidevall remains committed to his team's success. "We will dig deeper than we ever have before," he pledged. However, he stressed that the WSL needs to reassess how they approach scheduling Champions League commitments in order to support English clubs more effectively, rather than creating obstacles.

Club Inputs on Scheduling Decisions

Interestingly, Sky Sports News has reported that clubs play a role in selecting their preferred match days and times. Despite being aware of potential clashes due to Women’s Champions League fixtures, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City opted for matches on Sunday, October 6, underscoring the complexities involved in scheduling.

WSL’s Official Stance

In a previous statement, the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited offered an apology for any inconvenience caused by the postponement of Chelsea’s match, prioritizing player welfare as the primary concern. They have assured fans that a new date for the fixture will be announced soon.

Conclusion: A Need for Strategic Changes

As Arsenal prepares for a challenging fixture list, Eidevall’s outspokenness is a call to action for the WSL to address scheduling practices that currently hinder English clubs' progress in Europe. By doing so, they can enhance the competitive standing of English women’s football on the global stage, ultimately benefitting the clubs and their dedicated fan base.