Rene Sleggers has signed a new contract as Arsenal’s head coach, keeping him at the club until June 2029.
The 36-year-old was given the job permanently just under a year ago and led the team to Champions League glory in May.
After several months of discussions, Sleggers has agreed to a new three-and-a-half year contract.
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract here, as I believe we have much to achieve together this season and for years to come,” Slegers said in a club statement.
“Having played in the academy, watched Arsenal win the Champions League in 2007 in the stands, and spent last summer with the players, staff and supporters, I’m very proud to have shared this journey with Arsenal, a club that means so much to me and so many people.”
Sleggers initially took the job after making a positive impression in the interim role following Jonas Idevall’s sacking in October 2024.
Her first few months in charge exceeded all expectations, with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Barcelona, bringing the European trophy back to England for the first time in 18 years.
She was also credited with energizing the team, earning a reputation as a highly intelligent coach with an open policy towards both players and staff.
However, this season has not gone to plan and Arsenal are currently third in the WSL, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
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Arsenal will also fall out of the Champions League places if they lose against Manchester United, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Saturday.
Sleggers will receive further support as former England striker Jodie Taylor will also be promoted to the club’s first technical director role.
The former Arsenal player will work closely with Mr Sleggers on all football matters, particularly recruitment, technology and specialist areas.
With difficult choices ahead, Slager faces a long battle.
Analysis by Anton Troi of Sky Sports
Talks between Sleggers and club executives have been going on for months, but there was always belief that a long-term deal would be reached.
Regardless of how this season starts, Arsenal will be counting on one of the brightest young coaches in the game to get the team back into a position where they can regularly win the competition.
Sleggers and Taylor are now entrenched in their positions, and both have the ability to make the tough decisions needed to move the team forward.
Arsenal have a number of star players who are out of contract this summer, with some beginning to suspect that this season could be their last at the Emirates.
Beth Mead, Kim Little, Katie McCabe, Caitlin Ford, Viktoria Perova, Kyla Cooney-Cross, Laia Codina, Stina Blackstenus and Emily Fox are all on expiring contracts.
Beth Meade is among the players whose contracts expire in the summer.
Manager Sleggers has been tasked with making Arsenal younger and stronger physically and mentally in order to win on all fronts.
Coaches were given long-term security, allowing them to choose the players they wanted to take on the long journey to the title city.
There will be casualties along the way, but how many will be caused by Mr. Sleggers and Mr. Taylor.
Arsenal host Manchester United on Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am. Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m.
