Jonas Eidevall: Arsenal head coach resigns after three years in charge

Eidevall arrived at Arsenal from Rosengard after leading the Swedish club to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League in 2020-21.

The 41-year-old, who also had a brief spell as Henrik Larsson’s assistant at Helsingsborgs, won three league titles during two spells at Rosengard.

Eidevall utilised his knowledge of the Swedish league to bolster his squad during his first summer with the Gunners, signing forward Stina Blackstenius and midfielder Frida Maanum.

Arsenal finished second, one point shy of champions Chelsea, in Eidevall’s maiden campaign – their highest finish since winning the WSL in 2018-19. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarter-finals in the Champions League and League Cup.

Silverware arrived in Eidevall’s second season at the helm, beating Chelsea 3-1 in the League Cup final.

The signing of England forward Alessia Russo last summer offered hope that Arsenal could bridge the gap to WSL champions Chelsea.

They managed to retain the League Cup but finished third in the WSL and exited the Champions League in the first qualifying round.

The departure of striker Vivianne Miedema, who scored 125 goals and provided 50 assists in 172 appearances, over the summer was regarded as a big blow, although Eidevall did sign Spain World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey as a replacement.

Eidevall departs Arsenal with a 70% win ratio, having taken charge of 70 matches – winning 49, drawing 10 and losing 11.

Only Joe Montemurro (75.71%) and Laura Harvey (71.43%) had better win records at the club, from managers to have overseen at least 10 games.

Arsenal captain Kim Little said the players found out the news of Eidevall’s departure on Tuesday morning.

“We were made aware in our team meeting, before we went to train,” she said.

“[It’s sad]. We have a huge amount of respect for him as players. It is obviously a big change but we need to move forward now.

“The strength of what Jonas has left is that the foundations are here. The club has everything in place to succeed.”