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      Arsenal Women’s head coach Jonas Eidevall RESIGNS with immediate effect after loss to Chelsea and Bayern thrashing

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      ARSENAL WOMEN have announced the departure of head coach Jonas Eidevall.The 41-year-old leaves following a poor start to the season, with Arsenal sixth in the Women’s Super League table.Jonas Eidevall has left ArsenalCredit: ReutersThe Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the weekendCredit: GettyFans were left furious last week after the Gunners suffered a 5-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.And matters were made worse on Saturday when they lost 2-1 to London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.Eidevall was booed at the full-time whistle, with thousands of fans expressing their discontent.One person even created a giant P45 to wave in the stands, while another wrote ‘Jonas Out’ in bold letters on Hornsey Road.Read More on ArsenalAssistant coach Renée Slegers will take charge of the Gunners as interim boss while a full-time replacement is appointed.Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.”We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women.  We all wish him the very best for the future.”Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans expressed their discontent with the manager at the weekendCredit: X / @laythy29One supporter even took a giant P45 to the Emirates StadiumCredit: X / @mybadwosotakesClare Wheatley, the club’s director of women’s football, went on to add: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jonas for his hard work and dedication to Arsenal Football Club over the past three years.”Jonas has brought us back-to-back trophies in the last two seasons, together with many memorable moments on the pitch.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with Arsenal”We wish Jonas and his family the best of health, happiness and success for the future.”We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”Eidevall, who took charge of the team in 2021, guided Arsenal to two Women’s League Cup triumphs and a Champions League semi-final in 2023.Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Norwegian side Vålerenga.The team will be looking to pick up their first win in the tournament’s group stage after being trounced by Bayern last time out. The Gunners then face West Ham on Saturday.Who could replace Eidevall?By Sandra BrobbeyCasey Stoney:The ex-San Diego Wave boss, who is currently without a managerial role, has been heavily linked with the now-vacant women’s head coach job at Arsenal. Stoney, who was at the Emirates last Saturday to watch the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Chelsea, has ties with the club having played for them for two spells from 1999 to 2002 and from 2014 to 2016. Having begun her coaching career as a player-manager at Chelsea in 2009, Stoney has since become a highly-rated coach within the sport having guided American side San Diego to National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup win in March, and an NWSL Shield triumph last year. The former Man United Women’s boss, managed the Red Devils for three years from 2021 guiding them to WSL promotion. She also helped to nurture the careers of several United aces, past and present, including Ella Toone, Lauren James and Alessia Russo. Jack Wilshere:The Arsenal Under-18s men’s coach would be a wildcard for this role having started his current job two years ago and having never worked in the elite women’s game. The former Gunners playmaker led the team to the finals of the 2022-23 FA Youth Cup, during his first season in charge. where they were beaten by West Ham. A top-level WSL side hiring a men’s academy coach wouldn’t be an entirely new thing.Manchester City Women’s boss Gareth was employed as the club’s Under-16 head coach before taking on his current role.  More

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      Jonas Eidevall reflects on ‘hurt’ of Arsenal’s three-game winless run following WSL derby loss to Chelsea

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      JONAS EIDEVALL admits Arsenal have had a bad start to their season after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea. The Gunners boss says he aims to focus on the things he ‘can control’ when questioned on whether he feels his job is safe.Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s recent results have not helped their “league-winning” ambitions with the team collecting one point from their last WSL gamesCredit: GettyVersatile Blues winger Sandy Baltimore was among Chelsea’s scorers against ArsenalCredit: GettyEidevall has come under pressure from some Arsenal supporters amid three difficult results for his side in the past week. And a couple of defensive blips during set pieces saw his team lose their Saturday afternoon duel with Chelsea, conceding twice during the game’s first 16 minutes. Despite a late Arsenal fightback, goals from Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore were enough to seal a significant away victory for Sonia Bompastor’s Blues. The result led to the Gunners notching back-to-back defeats across all competitions after Bayern Munich trounced them 5-2 in the Champions League four days ago.Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “You need to do your absolute best in every single game. “But there is no point in hiding away from reality in saying it’s a bad start to the season.“It certainly doesn’t help with league-winning ambitions. “But it doesn’t change the perspective that you need to go game-by-game.”Most read in FootballArsenal have netted just two goals in their last three league fixtures with their last win in the top tier occurring away against Leicester City.And the loss to the Blues took their tally of winless results at the Emirates to three so far this season. On if he feels his job is safe, the Gunners chief added: “I gave absolutely everything in preparation for this game. “You can see the players gave absolutely everything on the pitch. “That’s the part you can control as a coach. That’s what you can control and ask for from the players as well.“I fully understand that people are disappointed when we don’t win football matches and we are also really disappointed. “We are really hurting, I’m hurting, the players are hurting. We want to do that better so I fully understand that in that moment.” Ramirez gave the Blues a fourth-minute lead with Arsenal caught out by a corner-kick that ended with a looped overhead strike from the Colombian dropping in behind goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.Baltimore’s header 12 minutes later made it a tough start for the hosts before they battled back with Caitlin Foord firing in an angled goal near halftime. The hosts upped the ante in attack in the second half with Chelsea spending large parts of the game’s closing stages defending. But they held out to claim maximum points with USA chief and ex-Blues boss Emma Hayes, and Arsenal football director Edu, among the guests watching from the stands. The result led to Bompastor registering her first win in the WSL against the Gunners leapfrogging Manchester City to go top before the Cityzens’ trip to Liverpool on Sunday.  Sonia Bompastor says she wants to encourage her team to hate conceding after they kept a third successive clean sheet in the WSL this termCredit: GettyThe Blues boss said: “I want my team to be able to hate conceding goals and I think this is what they showed with their mentality READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you play a game away and the team is doing good and you can hear your fans cheering for the team and supporting you, it’s so powerful. “I’m so proud of them and so happy for them.” More

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      Faye White hopeful Arsenal can ride out rough moments in WSL derby battle with Chelsea

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      FAYE WHITE believes Arsenal can use the disappointment of a shock draw and loss in the league and Europe to fuel their battle to beat Chelsea.The Gunners icon thinks Sonia Bompastor’s first Emirates visit as Blues boss could be the ideal moment for her old side to stun their rivals.Faye White expects Arsenal will want to redeem themselves following their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners hope to pick up their first match win at the Emirates this season but will face a huge challenge from ChelseaCredit: GettyToday’s game is a pivotal one for White’s former club who suffered two difficult results in the past seven days.A scoreless draw at home against injury-hit Everton was followed by a brutal 5-2 Champions League group stage loss away at Bayern Munich.A match where ex-Chelsea midfielder Pernille Harder ran riot against Jonas Eidevall’s players netting a 13-minute hat-trick.But White, 46, who was part of the Arsenal team that made history becoming the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League in 2007, reckons they will need little motivation to bounce back.Read More Football StoriesAnd she hopes the Gunners will be ready to ride out tough moments on the pitch.The former Arsenal captain, who won 11 top-flight titles including a WSL crown during her 17-year career at the club, said: “It’s about using that disappointment that you feel.“During my playing career, I won nine FA Cups, but I remember the one that I lost the most. I used that as motivation to want to not feel that again.“When you lose as a player, you want to get out there, get it out of your mind and redeem yourself.Most read in Football“But the team won’t need any getting up for this game. They’re at home, they’ll have the home crowd.“They know they’ve beaten Chelsea well at the Emirates before, but also how tough games can be (against them).“They just have to have that confidence and belief a little bit more, but also that desire, hunger, and the resilience side of it.”A mixed start to the season combined with two underwhelming results in the WSL and Champions League has seen the team’s tactics come into question.On his Wrighty’s House podcast club legend and Barclays football ambassador Ian Wright likened their performance against Everton to that of a mid-table side.White adds: “I’ve been there and done it where you can get yourself up for the tough games“But it’s also those matches against teams lower in the table where you’re expected to win because of the quality you have on the pitch and the bench, but you can’t quite break them down.“And then your rivals get their hopes up and step up a level as they feel they can nick a point or even a win.”Eidevall’s side are yet to win on their turf in the league this term with all their WSL home matches being played at the Emirates this season.However, his team went unbeaten in their last four home games against Chelsea in the top tier.Results include a 4-1 win last December against the Blues, then managed by former boss Emma Hayes, with Beth Mead and Alessia Russo among their scorers.White said: “Chelsea are seen as the team to beat. If there is any time for them to be got at, it’s now.“This is possibly a time where you could get at them because of a slight change of messaging (from their new manager) and a certain way players have been asked to play.“This will be the first time Bompastor experiences this kind of derby.“It’s going to be a good match but Arsenal have to be at their best and ride out those tough moments.”Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the league having notched 1-0 and 7-0 defeats of Aston Villa.Sonia Bompastor hopes to maintain her unbeaten run by consigning the Gunners to defeatCredit: GettyDespite Arsenal’s recent results, Bompastor is not taking the threat they pose lightly.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues boss, 41, who won September’s WSL Manager of the Month prize said: “I don’t pay attention to their context or their dynamic.“This team has a lot of talent. This game will be a tough game no matter what the context is for them.” More

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      Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough tasks ahead’ after Manchester City’s ‘statement’ win against Barcelona

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      LAUREN HEMP insists Manchester City have made a statement with their gritty 2-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League.  The City ace praised defender Naomi Layzell’s goalscoring display during the defeat of the contest’s winners before their return to WSL action on Sunday.Lauren Hemp and her team-mates will aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the WSL as well as Europe when they visit Liverpool nextCredit: AlamyCity summer signing Naomi Layzell impressed during the team’s 2-0 win against Barcelona playing out of position as a full-backCredit: GettySpain’s top-flight leaders, who Cityzens boss Gareth Taylor described as the best side in the world, fell to their first loss in the tournament’s group stage on Wednesday.A prodded finish from Layzell, her first in a Man City shirt and in the contest, gave Taylor’s side the lead in the first half.And that opener, assisted by Vivianne Miedema’s flicked header, was followed by Khadija Shaw rounding Barca goalkeeper Cata Coll late in the game to slot home to secure the points.The result saw the three-time Champions League winners beaten for the first time ever in the competitions group stage and for the first time this season. Read More Football Stories And Hemp and her team-mates maintained their unbeaten run across all contests before their WSL clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.Hemp said: “Hopefully that puts a statement out on a good start in the group stages.”It was a great win. I thought in the first half, we dominated, possession. “And we created a lot of chances and in the second half, but it looked a bit different.Most read in Football“I felt like we defended so well, put our bodies on the line. “We’ve still got to play them again. It’s going to be a tough task going to their place.”City, who take on Austrian team SKN St Polten in the tournament next Wednesday, handed a group stage debut to centre-back Layzell.The England Under-23s central defender, signed from Bristol City in August for a record fee, played as a full-back in the Joie Stadium duel. The Wednesday night game was the defender’s first time playing in the tournament’s group stage.  It also came almost five years on from Layzell making her debut appearance in the WSL for the Robins against the club she would eventually join this summer. And the player, who went off injured after appearing to her roll her ankle, rewarded boss Taylor’s faith by helping her club shut out some of the most lethal attacking talents in EuropeThese included Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas and Barca striker Ewa Pajor. Hemp added: “She’s done so well since she got here. I’m proud of her.”Not only did she score, but she defended so well, kept the ball most of the time and topped it off with a goal which was amazing and we’re all so happy for her.”Man City will take on Austria’s top-flight leaders SKN St. Polten in their second Champions League group stage game on October 10Credit: AlamyChelsea narrowly defeating Real Madrid in their group stage opener one night before Man City’s victory, made it good week for English clubs going up against two of the best sides in Spain’s top tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn her side’s chances of going all the way in the contest, Hemp said: “Every game is going to be different.   “We know there are so many tough tasks ahead of us. We’re just going to take it one game at a time. More

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      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

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      Jonas Eidevall hopes Arsenal can get job done against Bayern Munich and Chelsea after Everton clinch draw

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      JONAS EIDEVALL wants Arsenal to move past the disappointment of their 0-0 draw with Everton, with clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea to come.The Toffees withstood a barrage before thwarting the Gunners’ attempts to claim their first win in the league at the Emirates on Sunday. Arsenal were frustrated by Everton with the Toffees putting in a gritty defensive shift at the EmiratesCredit: GettyCourtney Brosnan pulled off several saves as the hosts piled on the pressure against EvertonCredit: GettyEverton shot stopper Courtney Brosnan put in a player of the match shift as her side found themselves hemmed into their own half for large spells.The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper made several impressive saves including a close-range injury-time stop of Stina Blackstenius’s attempted tap-in.The stalemate resulted in Arsenal falling two points behind Manchester City ahead of two of their biggest games of the season in Europe and the WSL.The Cityzens leapt to top spot following their 2-0 home win against West Ham with moving to Liverpool fifth and one place above Eidevall’s side on goal difference.Read More FootballThe Arsenal boss, whose side will face Bayern in their Champions League group stage opener in Munich on Wednesday, said: “First half we played with too little intent and moved the ball too slow.”We had quite a bit of control in that half, but here at home at the Emirates we should have much higher demands and standards for ourselves and our attacking game.”When we don’t move the ball quick enough then it’s really hard to break down a side like Everton.”They defend with so many players behind the ball and are really dedicated in their defendingMost read in Football”We’re disappointed with the result and the performance. “But we need to look forward to two really exciting, tough, challenging games.”With the games coming up, playing away against Munich and at home against Chelsea, we don’t need any more fuel or motivation.”Those games and those opponents are fuel enough. “We now need to look forward because no matter how disappointed we are with the draw, we still have a job to do.”The Gunners’ scoreless draw with the Toffees was the first of three games they will play in the space of seven days.Eidevall added: “It’s a quick turnaround so we can’t put a foot wrong with recovery and preparation so that needs to be the focus, but no about it we’re disappointed.”Arsenal were handed a fitness boost with defenders Leah Williamson and Steph Catley making their returns from injury.Catley came on in the 77th minute with England skipper Williamson entering the fray 13 minutes earlier having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Man City, and wins against BK Hacken and Leicester with StephOf their return to action, Eidevall said: “It’s really important for us. We’ve been playing a lot of minutes with the same players.”When we look at our back four and given we have five games within 15 days here. “It would not have been sustainable to keep on piling on the minutes for those players so it’s really important to have them back.”Arsenal’s Emily Fox almost broke the deadlock with her floated 10th-minute delivery into the box hitting the crossbar.At the other end a loose pass from Gunners keeper Daphne van Domselaar, in the 18-yard almost handed a scoring chance to the visitors moments later.Brosnan made a perfectly-timed diving stop to keep out Mariona Caldentey’s shot from distance before Veatriki Sarri prompted Van Domselaar to tip the ball against the crossbar close to half-time.The second spell saw Everton and Arsenal shuffle their decks with Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord amongst the subs coming on.And Foord went close with a half-volleyed 90th-minute strike before Brosnan denied Blackstenius in injury time. The scoreless draw resulted in Everton ending their winless run in the top tier and picking up their first point of the season.And Brian Sorensen’s side will hope to register their first victory in the league this term when they host West Ham next Sunday (13 October).Leah Williamson returned to match action for Arsenal having missed their last two league games due to injuryCredit: AlamyThe Toffees boss said: “We were strong defensively and I don’t think they had big, big chances. The plan was good and the girls were even better executing it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What pleased me most? The resilience, the togetherness, the willingness to fight for each other, the coolness, the calmness. I’m super proud.”This result is only going to build our confidence.” More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More

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      Man Utd Women’s boss says WSL game postponement is ‘right decision’ whilst sympathising with fans

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      MARC SKINNER insists postponing Chelsea’s WSL clash with Manchester United was the right move in terms of player welfare.However, the Red Devils chief also sympathised with fans who planned to attend the match with United thought to have sold all their away tickets.Chelsea’s next WSL game will be against Arsenal on October 12 with their game against Man United postponedCredit: AlamyMan United take on Liverpool in a Women’s League Cup fixture on October 2 before hosting Tottenham in the WSL 11 days laterCredit: GettySkinner, whose team host Liverpool tomorrow in a Women’s League Cup group stage game, was reflecting on his side’s top-flight away clash with the Blues being temporarily shelved.The highly anticipated fixture was due to take place on Sunday October 6, but was postponed by the Women’s Professional League Limited last Sunday.The decision was motivated by Chelsea’s opening Women’s Champions League group game being pencilled in two nights later, with the team having 48 hours between the duels.And the WPLL (previously known as NewCo), which runs the top two tiers of the women’s domestic game, stated they were putting “player welfare first”.Read More Football Stories This follows concern across the sport, particularly from elite footballers themselves, around match congestion, its effect on player loads and the potential for increased risk of injury.Man United boss Skinner said: “For me most importantly it’s affected the fans, which is something we clearly don’t want to happen.”But I think from a playing perspective, for both Chelsea welfare and our welfare players-wise, it’s the right decision, because the game is not going to be moved from the Champions League.”We don’t want any more injuries. We’ve seen Everton potentially take an injury again at the weekend.Most read in Football”We don’t want that. So I think from a player welfare (perspective), it’s the right thing.”According to BBC Sport, the WPLL had asked that no English sides had their Women’s Champions Leagues arranged for Tuesday 8 October.However, the organisation’s request was unsuccessful.And Uefa are said to have made their schedule for tournament fixtures available to clubs over a year ago.Following the WSL game postponement ahead of their side’s first European match this term, a Blues fan association said the club had to protect its players.The Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group also sympathised with fans who had forked out on travel and hotel bookings ahead of the Kingsmeadow clash.In a post shared via its X account, the Group wrote: “We feel for all the supporters who have lost money on transport and hotels. “It shouldn’t have got to this situation.”The Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club says it is currently “in dialogue in regard to next course of action” with Red Devils officials in regard to costs incurred by away fans.Skinner said: “Wherever we fit the game in, let’s make sure it’s accessible to the fans and that they are well looked-after. That’s the most important thing.”I think it was sold out, our end, the away end. So we just need to make sure it favours them as well, I think that’s really key.“But the reality is, for the quick turnaround, which would have been for us or for Chelsea.”It would have put the players at risk and I don’t think we need to do that this early in the season.”United’s League Cup duel with Liverpool tomorrow will see them begin their quest to win the contest a season on from lifting the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.And Skinner says the competition is a top priority for the Red Devils who missed out on a knockout spot last season.This was due to their group stage rival Aston Villa being docked points which were awarded to Sunderland.The Man United boss added: “I felt last year, we were very, very unfortunate to not progress to the knockout stages. Liverpool have drawn their first two WSL games this season ahead of their League Cup group stage duel with Man UnitedCredit: Getty”Not only did we have a very difficult group, we were then unfortunate that a decision is made elsewhere that affects us and we can’t go through. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a priority for us, it’s an opportunity to win a cup, but it’s also an opportunity for players to show and claim their stake for starting.”We need a competitive game, a competitive team, a competitive environment.” More