Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo 'scared' of leading team to relegation

2025-03-24 00:59:00

Abstract: Aston Villa Women face WSL relegation after a 7-game losing streak. Coach Arroyo aims to rally the team, citing confidence and effort are key.

Aston Villa Women's potential relegation from the Women's Super League seems unimaginable to many, but the possibility is now increasing. Currently, Villa holds only a one-point lead over Crystal Palace in the relegation zone, and Sunday's 0-4 defeat to Manchester United extended their losing streak to seven games, putting them in a precarious position.

Head coach Natalia Arroyo joined the club in January with the task of reigniting the Villa players' confidence, which is proving to be a difficult challenge. Arroyo stated that she is eager to stay in England, remain in the Women's Super League, and do her best to help the club navigate this tough period. She admitted that the team's current state frustrates her because she wants the players to be brave, but now is not the ideal time for that.

Arroyo confessed that she feels scared, just like the players, and she does not want to be the coach of a relegated team. However, she also emphasized that relegation could become a reality if the team does not fulfill its responsibilities and give their best effort. She stated that the team is now in the same boat and needs to row harder, faster, and stronger, expressing her belief that the team can successfully avoid relegation.

Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen commented on Sky Sports that she finds it difficult to understand Aston Villa's tactical intentions, and the players seem lost on the field. She sympathized with the players' current situation and said she did not want to be overly critical because she is unsure of the root cause of the problems. She believes that the team's current situation is not accidental, the league table does not lie, and the head coach needs to find the right words to motivate the team and get them back on track, otherwise the club may be in trouble.

Former England defender Laura Bassett stated on BBC Radio 5 Live that Aston Villa's decline is surprising. She believes that the team's performance and competitiveness are not bad, but there are issues with individual errors and a lack of confidence on the pitch. She pointed out that the team lacks the finishing touch and cannot score goals, which has a psychological impact and makes the situation even more difficult. She also mentioned that there has been no "new coach effect," and many players' contracts will expire at the end of the season, expressing her hope that the club management can clarify the team's future direction.

Arroyo stated that the fans' support can help the team fight for survival, and she hopes to repay the fans with results in the next five games. She thanked the fans for their support and said that the team will do its best to turn things around. She admitted that the team's current situation is not ideal, and she feels sorry for the club and the fans, but she believes that with the support of the fans, the team will become stronger. Despite facing difficulties, Arroyo remains confident, believing that the players are working hard to learn and is convinced that the team can successfully avoid relegation.