Katie McCabe: Arsenal have ability to improve despite tough WSL start

Arsenal defender Katie McCabe said the Gunners' talented squad is enough to turn around what's been a disappointing start to the 2024/25 Barclays Women's Super League.

The north-London club only managed a 1-1 draw away to Manchester United last weekend, despite interim head coach Renee Slegers aiming for a much-needed win.

Speaking exclusively to 90min at the Sobha Realty Training Centre this week, McCabe reveals her team are doing everything possible to help recover their dropped points.

Arsenal are currently sitting fifth in the WSL, after winning two, drawing three and losing one of their last six games.

They've also not just been suffering on the pitch either this season, after the resignation of Jonas Eidevall last month catapulted their future into even more jeopardy.

“We have just got to ride over the tough patch,” adds McCabe. “We need to make sure that we’re coming out to work even harder every day to perform as best as possible in front of our supporters.”

The 29-year-old has been at Arsenal for nearly ten years and throughout her tenure has played a variety of different roles across the backline. In recent weeks, she's adopted the full-back position, supporting Steph Catley who's begun playing as a centre-back.

Speaking about her flexibility to adapt, McCabe praised previous Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro for developing her into an "attacking full-back".

“I really enjoyed that and it’s something I’ve taken in my stride,” she explains. “I guess the challenges of the last few seasons with injuries has meant I’ve needed to be adaptable and play different positions, which Jonas has asked me to do previously as well.

“I’m happy getting a run at a consistent position and making sure I can do it 100%. I’ve developed relationships with the likes of Mariona [Caldentey] this season and of course with Steph who's now playing at centre-back, so it’s all good with me.”

Scheduling clash criticism

Arsenal hit headlines earlier this week after a scheduling clash with their men's team meant they could no longer play their upcoming UEFA Women's Champions League game at the Emirates.

“It’s obviously not an ideal situation,” responds McCabe. “I think from our perspective as a women’s team, we know the commitment the club has to us and the drive they’ve had to achieve that by moving us to the Emirates. 

“This is what happens when you share a stadium, but the club is working hard with UEFA to try and find the best solution and we’ll be ready to adapt to whatever the situation will be.”

Despite many fans pointing to Meadow Park as the best possible alternative, the governing body have said the venue doesn't meet regulations to host.

90min understands Arsenal remain in talks with UEFA, but as it stands there is still no location for the club's scheduled fixture against Bayern Munich on 18 December.

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