Eidevall admits coaching during Covid has been stressful but is excited by the signing of new Arsenal contract Rafaelle

JONAS EIDEVALL says that coaching During the Covid-19 pandemic, one of his most ‘stressful’ experiences at work.

The Arsenal chief has seen two matches postponed in the space of a month with the coronavirus causing havoc on the sporting schedule.

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Matches against Brighton on December 20 and Reading on January 16 have both been postponed due to Covid issues.

Eidevall, 38 years old, has the top team WSL, was speaking ahead of the Gunners Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester United at Meadow Park.

The Arsenal The boss said: “Being a coach during Covid was definitely the most stressful thing for me personally.

“It makes it a lot harder to connect people and to think about remote control and digital meetings instead of in person.

“It’s an obvious feeling I think, for a lot of coaches, but we have to remember that everyone is the same so it’s not an excuse not to get results.”

Arsenal, who are yet to register their first win of the year, have had a busy January transfer window.

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The club has welcomed three newcomers in the past five days.

Former Hoffenheim defender Laura Wienrother, 23, was made his debut as the Gunners on Monday – three days after the team confirmed the signing of the striker Stina Blackstenius.

And Rafaelle Souza, 30, became the first Brazilian to join the league leaders in announcing the signing of the versatile centre-back earlier today.

The Brazilian star, who has 33 international caps, joined the WSL leadership after his contract with Chinese side Changchun Zhuoyue expired.

Her arrival was greeted with excitement by her compatriot and Prem ace Gunner Gabriel Martinelli, who shared a welcome message via his Twitter account.

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On how he sees Rafaelle fit into Arsenal’s defence, Eidevall said: “I’m delighted to be working with her.

“Finding a left-footed centre-back is a big deal for us.

“I think it helps a lot with angles, especially against teams that push you a little bit higher.

“It also helps to have Swedish coaches around the (Brazil) women’s national team.

“They are also working with defensive position principles very similar to those we practice at Arsenal here.”

Arsenal to play League Cup against Manchester United could see Blackstenius and Weinrother’s debut.

And Leah Williamson and Tobin Heath could be set to return to action after their injury spell.