Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal: Renee Slegers calls for better pitches as Ian Wright says surface a ‘disgrace’
Arsenal owner Renee Slegs said the “next step in women’s football” is to have better pitches after Gunners legend Ian Wright described Real Madrid’s game as a “shame.”
Wright showed his feelings when he beat Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in the first leg of the 2-0 Women’s Champions League quarterfinals at Arsenal.
Playing conditions at the reserved home of Real Madrid men, deteriorating at a rapid pace, making it difficult for both sides to move freely.
Wright’s criticism on social media comes after a complaint about the Women’s League Cup final issued last Saturday at Derby County’s Pride Park.
Former Dutch midfielder Slegs admitted that the wet and muddy conditions against Real Madrid played a role in Tuesday’s defeat.
The return leg will be held on March 26 at the UAE Stadium in Arsenal.
Asked if Real Madrid’s main Bernabeu stadium should be used on the first leg, Serges added: “Criticizing me is not my criticism.
“It’s obviously a club decision and I’m sure UEFA is trying to create the best conditions for the game. Of course, the weather is not always within our control.
“But I think we’ve seen a few games lately where the stadium is not in good shape and I think it’s the next step in women’s football.”
Slegers, who was appointed as the permanent Arsenal head coach for January after an impressive interim spell in January, added: “We know the condition of the stadium. We talked about this with the players before the game.
“So we have a plan, but it’s always hard because a season and over time you work on things and have an identity, just like you want to do it.
“So reality comes, these conditions come, and suddenly, you need to do something different, and it’s hard.”
