Arsenal Women’s manager Renee Slegers has called for immediate improvements in pitch standards for women’s football after a challenging UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Real Madrid. The Gunners fell 2-0 at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano on Tuesday night under extremely poor weather and pitch conditions, which many players and pundits said hindered the quality of football.
Slegers said post-match, “The next step for women’s football must be improving the pitch quality. It’s frustrating to see games of this magnitude played under such conditions.”
Ian Wright Slams Pitch as “A Disgrace”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, watching the match from home, took to social media to vent his frustration. In a video post, he described the surface as “a disgrace,” comparing it unfavorably even to the much-criticised conditions of the Women’s League Cup final at Derby County’s Pride Park just days earlier.
“This is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final,” Wright said. “This is a disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.”
Rain and Mud Hamper Arsenal’s Flowing Game
The match, held in teeming rain, quickly became a war of attrition as players struggled to maintain footing and control. The hybrid surface at Real Madrid’s reserve ground deteriorated rapidly. Arsenal’s normally fluid passing game was visibly affected, and Real Madrid capitalised on the scrappy play to take a two-goal advantage into the return leg.
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Melanie Leupolz of Real Madrid was visibly covered in mud when substituted, a sight rarely seen in modern professional football and a stark indicator of the conditions.
Calls Grow for Use of Main Stadiums in Women’s Competitions
When asked whether the game should have been held at Real’s iconic Bernabeu Stadium, Slegers diplomatically said it was “not on me to criticise,” but implied that UEFA and host clubs must aim for higher standards.
“We knew the pitch would be tough. We even discussed it with the players beforehand. But it’s hard to change your whole game plan because of something as basic as field conditions,” she added.
The debate follows similar outcry after Chelsea’s League Cup win over Manchester City, where players and coaches criticised the Pride Park pitch. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor commented: “I’m not sure if it was a men’s final it would be the same situation.”
Players and Pundits Echo Frustrations
Former Leeds striker Lucy Ward, now a commentator, echoed Wright’s concerns during the Arsenal match: “This pitch is awful. I’m watching players who usually deal with the ball brilliantly struggle to adjust.”
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert had also blasted the Pride Park surface after the weekend final, calling it “not fit for a final.”
Former Players Urge Authorities to Prioritise Quality
Former England defender Anita Asante questioned whether decision-makers truly prioritize women’s football. “These are elite clubs with access to top facilities. Why are we seeing sub-par conditions at key fixtures?”
She warned of increased injury risks and stressed the need to deliver a high-quality product for fans and broadcasters.
Ellen White, former England striker, also voiced her concerns on the BBC Women’s Football Weekly podcast: “It needs to be looked at. We want to grow the game, and better playing standards are part of that.”
Lack of Permanent Venues for Women’s Finals Under Scrutiny
Unlike the men’s League Cup final which is held at Wembley, the women’s version lacks a permanent home. Organisers argue that rotating locations brings the game closer to fans across the country, but critics now question whether consistency and quality are being compromised.
Jen Beattie, former Arsenal and Scotland defender, lamented that post-match discussions were dominated by pitch conditions rather than performances. “These are elite teams playing high-stakes football. We should be talking about their talent, not the turf.”
Arsenal Return Leg at Emirates Promises Better Conditions
With the second leg set for 26 March at arsenal Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, the Gunners hope to overturn the deficit on a pitch better suited to their playing style. Fans and football professionals alike now look to UEFA and domestic governing bodies to ensure improved infrastructure for the women’s game going forward.
The debate surrounding pitch quality may have just begun, but players, managers, and legends alike are united: elite women’s football deserves elite conditions.
