Arsenal manager Slegers calls for better pitches in women's game after Real Madrid loss
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Women's Super League - Arsenal v West Ham United - Meadow Park, Borehamwood, Britain - March 2, 2025 Arsenal manager Renee Slegers gestures during the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers said better pitches should be the "next step for women's football" after her side's 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final at Real Madrid's Alfredo di Stefano Stadium on Tuesday.
Heavy rain in Madrid complicated playing conditions and raised questions over the venue choice, especially with the Santiago Bernabeu available during the men's international break.
"It's not on me to criticise. It's obviously a club decision and I'm sure that UEFA is trying to create the best conditions for the tournament. Of course, the weather is not always in our control," Slegers told reporters.
"But I think we've seen a couple of games lately where the pitch conditions haven't been great and I think that's the next step for women's football to take."
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright described the playing surface as a "disgrace," on Instagram. He added that the pitch was worse than Saturday's League Cup final venue, Pride Park, which Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor criticised as unfit after their victory over Manchester City.
