Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall explains why he gave coat to fan after Conti Cup win
Jonas Eidevall, the manager of Arsenal, has clarified the reason behind his decision to give his coat to a supporter after his squad claimed the Continental Cup.
The team defeated Chelsea 3-1, with goals from Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little overturning Sam Kerr’s early opener.
An own goal from Niamh Charles sealed the win for Arsenal, thrilling thousands of spectators at Selhurst Park and bringing their first trophy in four years.
A specific supporter took home a unique memento: Eidevall’s coat. During the match, the Arsenal manager was seen giving his jacket to a man in the audience, and he later provided an explanation for his action in a video on the club’s Twitter page.
A man of his word 👊
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 5, 2023
Now please get @eidevall a new coat for Wednesday night, @adidasUK 😂 pic.twitter.com/D4aPqDMuY0
Eidevall commended the Arsenal supporters for generating an excellent atmosphere during the Conti Cup final, and then proceeded to explain his choice to give away his coat.
“After the game on Sunday, there was a guy and he was so optimistic,” Eidevall said. “He said he was coming next Sunday – I believe in you guys, you’re going to win.
“I told him, ‘people like you are what makes this football club great. Your optimism gives me energy. I can give that back to the team and it can help our performance. So you come here, you do the same thing next Sunday, and we win, you get my coat’.
“So I’m very happy for him. I’m very happy for us.”
Eidevall joked: “Now I just need to sort out a new coat. So please help Adidas, give me a new coat so I won’t be freezing on the sideline on Wednesday.”
Following their commanding performance against Chelsea, Eidevall showered his team with accolades, specifically highlighting captain Kim Little for her outstanding performance, which earned her the player of the match award.
“When you thought she couldn’t get better, she puts on that performance,” said Eidevall.
“I told Kim after the game, I wasn’t sure it was possible but ‘this is the best you’ve been since I have been the coach.’
“I think she was phenomenal the whole game. The way she connects the team, the duels, the work rate, her decision-making on the ball.
“She plays close to a perfect match, I am so happy for her. It is a trait for a great player to have a performance like that when it matters most.”
Arsenal will now shift their attention to the Women’s Super League, as they prepare to face Liverpool in a match scheduled for Wednesday.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall explains why he gave coat to fan after Conti Cup win
