Eidevall Critiques WSL Postponements: Impact on Arsenal's Future

Arsenal Boss Criticizes WSL for Fixture Scheduling

Jonas Eidevall, the head coach of Arsenal Women, has recently voiced his concerns over what he describes as "amateurish behaviour" within the Women's Super League (WSL). He believes that these scheduling blunders have not only hindered English teams' capabilities in European competitions but have also positioned Arsenal at a significant disadvantage. This comes ahead of crucial upcoming matches against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

WSL Fixture Postponement Strains Teams

The controversy stems from Chelsea, the reigning WSL champions, having their league match against Manchester United postponed. This decision was taken due to concerns surrounding player welfare. With Chelsea being one of only three English teams to advance to the group stages, including Arsenal and Manchester City, the implications of fixture rescheduling are increasingly alarming.

Upcoming Matches

• Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Scheduled for October 8
• Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich: Scheduled for October 9
• Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Scheduled for October 12

Impact on Arsenal's Preparation

Eidevall highlights a critical scheduling issue: "Out of the 16 teams in the Champions League, only Arsenal and Manchester City are playing league games on Sunday, October 6. This lack of consideration for preparation time puts us at a unique disadvantage. While our opposition, Bayern Munich, has the advantage of rest as they do not play that weekend, we face the challenge of competing at a high level with less preparation time."

Concerns for Fans

Aside from the logistical complications for the teams, Eidevall also raises concerns regarding the impact on supporters. He stated, "This situation is damaging for our fans, who are the backbone of our club. They deserve more than delayed matches and confusion regarding scheduling. The treatment of both their time and money in this situation is simply unacceptable. It raises questions about whether the league prioritizes the success of English clubs on a European scale."

Call for Improvement from WSL

Eidevall's resolve is clear. "We won't give up. We are committed to pushing ourselves beyond our current limits. However, significant changes are needed in how the league approaches Champions League scheduling and its responsibilities towards supporters. The blame cannot solely rest with UEFA; the WSL must also act purposefully and considerately."

Clubs' Role in Scheduling

Sky Sports News has reported that clubs indeed have input when it comes to WSL fixture scheduling. Each club can choose their preferred days and times for games, with schedules usually published well in advance. Understanding the potential scheduling conflicts in advance seems critical; however, all requested to play on Sunday, as Arsenal couldn’t play on Saturday due to a clash with the men's home game.

Official Response and Next Steps

The Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has issued statements regarding the postponement, ensuring that player welfare is a priority. They acknowledged the inconvenience caused to fans but emphasized the importance of considering player health in scheduling decisions.

As the situation develops, it remains crucial for stakeholders within the league to strive for better communication and planning. This is essential for the ongoing success and reputation of English women's football on the broader European stage.