Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is thriving with his side unbeaten in all competitions this season, but the same cannot be said of the Women’s first team.
Arsenal WFC are currently sixth in the Women’s Super League, with just one win in their opening four games, whilst they also suffered a heavy defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
There was heavy pressure on manager Jonas Eidevall to improve performances and results, but after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates, fans were furious and Eidevall handed in his resignation.
Eidevall arrived at Arsenal in 2021 and did enjoy some success, but a year after signing his last contract extension, he has now left the club, with his assistant Renee Slegers to take interim charge. But just who is Jonas Eidevall?
Who is Jonas Eidevall?
Jonas Eidevall is a professional football manager who was born in Boras, Sweden, on January 28th, 1983.
Eidvall has previously managed Lunds BK and FC Rosengard in Sweden, and was also an assistant to Henrik Larsson at Helsingborgs IF.
When did Jonas Eidevall join Arsenal?
Eidevall became the manager of the senior Arsenal Women’s side in the summer of 2021, replacing Joe Montemurro.
The Swedish manager signed a contract extension alongside Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2022, and again signed another deal in October 2023, with his latest contract originally set to run until the summer of 2026. However, he has now walked away from his position after three years in charge.
Jonas Eidevall’s record as Arsenal Women’s manager
Eidevall has managed 123 games in all competitions as Arsenal Women’s manager. In that time, he has recorded 81 wins, 18 draws, and 24 defeats.
Arsenal finished in second place in Eidevall’s first full campaign, before back to back third-placed finishes in the last two seasons, but currently sit sixth in the Women’s Super League.
Eidevall did win back to back FA Women’s League Cups in the last two seasons, beating Chelsea in March 2023 and 2024 in the finals.
Arsenal also reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League in 2023, and recorded a record attendance at the Emirates Stadium but were beaten by Wolfsburg in the final minute.
Why did Jonas Eidevall resign as Arsenal Women’s manager?
Although he signed a new contract last year, Eidevall was under huge pressure after a poor start to the season for his side.
Top scorer Vivienne Miedema departed for free in the summer, a decision which was hugely unpopular with supporters, and Eidevall was blamed for the circumstances of her departure.
Back to back defeats against Bayern Munich and Chelsea meant his position was untenable, with some fans protesting at the Emirates during the Chelsea defeat.
Mail Sport have revealed that in addition to losing the support of the Arsenal fans, Eidevall had also lost the trust of the dressing room, leading to his exit.
“We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021,” sporting director Edu Gaspar stated as Arsenal confirmed his departure.
“We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women. We all wish him the very best for the future.
“Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renee, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”
Eidevall has departed with immediate effect, bringing an end to his three-year spell in charge in North London.
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