Jonas Eidevall Opens Up About His Decision to Leave Arsenal

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Eidevall claims Arsenal fan fury over Miedema was ‘so intense’ that resignation was necessary.

Former Arsenal Women’s manager Jonas Eidevall has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced when deciding to leave the club in October 2024. Eidevall, who joined Arsenal in 2021 and led the team to two FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup titles, admitted that his departure was one of the toughest decisions he has ever made.

In an interview with Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Eidevall revealed that the departure of club icon Vivianne Miedema was a significant factor in his decision. “My relationship with the supporters was so bad after we let Vivianne Miedema go that there was no quick fix,” Eidevall said. He explained that the decision to let Miedema go was driven by budgetary constraints, as the club had to choose between extending her contract or signing Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona.

Eidevall acknowledged that the situation created a rift with fans, which ultimately cast a “cloud” over the new season. “It was an incredibly difficult decision for me to take because you have a part of you that wants to be a fighter and prove doubters wrong,” he said. “But you have to zoom out and understand what is about you, and what’s about the team – what do the players need in this moment?”

Despite the challenges, Eidevall maintained that he made the decision with the best interests of the club in mind. “I would have still made the same decision,” he said. “I am convinced that Caldentey will continue to be a great asset for Arsenal.”

Eidevall has since taken up a new role as head coach of the National Women’s Soccer League team, the San Diego Wave, where he hopes to bring his experience and expertise to a new audience.

Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Eidevall expressed gratitude for the support he received from the club and its fans. “I have never had any problems working with Miedema. She is a strong personality and will always speak her mind, which is similar to me, as a person,” he said. “All in all, it was a decision that played hard on me but that’s life sometimes.”

Eidevall’s departure has left a lasting impact on Arsenal, but his legacy at the club will be remembered for the success he brought during his tenure.