Renée Slegers took great pride in how we made our way to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Chelsea on aggregate.
After winning the first leg 3-1, we protected that two-goal lead for the majority of the match at Stamford Bridge, only conceding a consolation goal late on.
Speaking about the mentality of the team after the game, our head coach said: “I think two standouts for me today is the mentality of the players and how we stuck together and (dealt) with difficult moments. The scenario itself was difficult, of course, but we did that so well. We did that so well. We were so disciplined, so together.
“The other one is the fans. They gave us everything tonight. They supported us through everything and kept on believing. The noise they created here in the stadium, it was unbelievable. The moment we got together with the fans after the game. Really, really proud of the mentality of the players to get this one over the line.”
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Report: Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal Women (2-3)
We could still hear the music from the Arsenal dressing room as our interview with Renée took place, so naturally the mood must have been bouncing in there after such a hard-fought win.
“I haven’t been in there, but I can only make a little guess like everyone else,” she said. “The players deserve it. They keep on working hard to earn the right to play and they work on all the details. There’s so much they’re putting into this. It’s hard work to be a professional footballer. You invest a lot and them getting this back, I’m really happy for them, but also for the fans.”
One player whose investment in training drills really paid off on Wednesday night was Daphne van Domselaar, who produced a series of stunning stops to ensure we stayed ahead on aggregate.
“She was amazing,” Renée agreed. “I think both teams created chances, had shots, a couple of big chances. Daphne steps up and saves a couple of unbelievable balls. I have to watch it back. I’ve just seen it down the sideline.
“She was really good. It’s not easy coming back from a long-term injury and then stepping in like this, especially from a mental perspective, going to Stamford Bridge, playing the second leg, and then putting on this performance. She should be really proud.”
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