Former Arsenal women’s head coach Jonas Eidevall is close to making a return to management as reports suggest that he has finalised a deal with American soccer team San Diego Wave.
The 41-year-old was their top choice for weeks, as per journalist Dan Lauletta of The Equalizer. The club required time to sort out the contract terms, and they are now close to announcing the deal.
🚨 Jonas Eidevall, former Arsenal coach, has been reportedly appointed as the new head coach of San Diego Wave.
— via @EqualizerSoccer (@JeffKassouf) pic.twitter.com/eLhCxN3hBY
— DAZN Women’s Football (@DAZNWFootball) December 23, 2024
Eidevall was Arsenal’s coach for three full years but had to part ways in October due to the Gunners’ poor start to the season. A 5-2 defeat to Bayern Munich and a 2-1 home defeat against Chelsea were enough to conclude his time in North London.
He had his success during these three years, helping his side lift the league cup in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The club finished either second or third in the Premier League under his guidance, and he also helped them reach the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League last year.
But the fans expected more from this talented squad, and a failure to meet the expectations ultimately led to his resignation. In the wake of the Scottish coach’s departure, Arsenal first team assistant coach Renée Slegers was promoted to an interim role.
The decision to hire her proved to be fruitful as the team recorded an 11-game unbeaten run (winning 10 and drawing one). They also scored a staggering 31 goals and conceded just four goals.
JONAS EIDEVALL IN, CASEY STONE OUT
Jonas Eidevall now faces the challenge of reviving San Diego Wave, who have endured a difficult season in the NWSL. The club dismissed Casey Stone in June after a seven-game winless run that eroded confidence within the dressing room.
They hired two interim coaches (Paul Buckle and Landon Donovan) since then, but results haven’t come their way. Jonas Eidevall needs to build that cohesion and win the trust of the dressing room.
He is an ideal candidate since his experience in winning domestic titles will help the Waves achieve better results in the highly competitive American League.
