Arsenal manager Renée Slegers did not attend her post-match Women's Champions League news conference on Wednesday after the former champions squandered a win in a 2-2 draw at Paris FC. A late penalty, conceded by defender Leah Williamson after handling the ball, proved costly as Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead. Sources told ESPN that both players and Slegers were in tears, with the coach too upset with the refereeing decision to fulfil her duties.
Assistant coach Aaron D'Antino fielded questions instead, calling the late equalizer "incredibly disappointing." Despite a 1-0 win over Brighton in their opening Women's Super League game, Arsenal have struggled recently, sitting seven points off WSL holders Manchester City. Their current shot conversion rate of 2.5% is the lowest in the league since 2017-18. The draw puts the young coach -- who led Arsenal to Champions League victory in 2024-25 -- under huge pressure ahead of Sunday's clash against City, where a loss would be catastrophic for their title hopes.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing