Arsenal take on Chelsea in this Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley and Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall will be making final preparations for his squad. He will also be giving black cats a wide berth.
During his pre-match press conference, the Swede explained that he only has one superstition- involving black cats.
“I do have some superstitions and I think that’s healthy because it makes you feel like you have control over the uncontrollable. I don’t let any black cats cross my way, ever,” Eidevall explained.
“I don’t harm any black cats either, I think it’s important to say! Sometimes when I am driving I reroute a couple of miles if I see one. That’s the only thing I have.
“I feel a bit silly when I am doing it but it’s something I can control. If Emma (Hayes) sees this she will probably buy a thousand black cats with the money Chelsea have and send them all over our training pitch, that was probably a really bad giveaway by me, I’m going to be invaded by black cats!”
A true Gooner and @VivianneMiedema superfan…
Of course, we had to catch up with @Stillberto! 😁
Watch LIVE on https://t.co/tK9rcmLS6V 📺 pic.twitter.com/YkYFPhq13H
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) December 3, 2021
On the subject of control, Eidevall also revealed that he tries not to pay too much attention to international matches when they are happening and his players are representing their countries.
“Once when I was a coach in Sweden, I went out to a restaurant with my friends and my phone started lighting up because my players were getting injured and it ruined my whole evening. I went home early.
“I try not to get on that emotional rollercoaster now- why would I? I can’t control it, things are going to happen and the important thing is the response. But also, as a coach, I want my players to succeed at international level, it is a big part of their careers and I want to help them with that.
“I want to cooperate with national team managers, it is not about being egocentric and thinking you just get everything that you want.”
Arsenal play Chelsea at 2pm on Sunday at Wembley Stadium. We will have a full match preview on the site at 2pm Saturday, as well as more quotes from Jonas Eidevall and Kim Little’s press conference and some more video footage from Friday’s open training session.
I doubt whether Ms Hayes will deposit a load of black cats in Jonas’ path.
I feel the biggest conundrum he has to find an answer to is the loss of Leah Williamson. Last week’s performance in Manchester without her was encouraging but the speed of Chelski’s attack is somewhat more of a challenge than the Manks offered.
Great insight in the video about why Miedema can stay so calm in scoring opportunities, about what motivates her. Thanks!
He’s definitely not superstitious of former “Black Cat” Beth Mead 🙂
Fat ginger cats all the way.