This week, Brazilian channel Desimpedidos released part of a series they’ve been working on at Arsenal.
Their reporter Fred went to the Gunners training ground, and as well as speaking to the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli and Jorginho, he also had a word with club director Edu Gaspar.
Premier League Brasil today shares a story with some quotes from the Arsenal chief regarding their thoughts about the club’s women’s section.
The early progress made by Arsenal was a reference for many clubs, especially in Brazil, so he had some very interesting things to say about the Gunners’ focus on improving that.
Gaspar started by highlighting the attendance that Arsenal Women usually get at their games.
“Arsenal are now, by far, one of the biggest consumers of women’s football. If you watch our games at the Emirates, we’re filling the stadium just like the men’s team. Literally. We sell 60,000 tickets a game. We’re playing Manchester United next week and it’s practically sold out,” said Gaspar.
The director also pointed out Arsenal’s strength by signing players from big clubs in Europe.
“We’ve started to sign players who are at Manchester United, players who have come from Barcelona, players who have come from other big clubs to really strengthen and start to give the sporting results we expect. We demand in the same way (as the men’s team).”
Gaspar explained there’s a lot of work ongoing to improve Arsenal Women in all aspects, and that’s the secret for their success.
“It’s the way we treat women’s football. The way we communicate with the club, the investments we’re making. All of this is attracting attention, engaging other people and we’re moving in the direction we hope. There’s a lot to do, obviously, like everywhere else, but we’re putting a lot of energy into women’s football.”
“We’re giving them the emphasis, the support so that they can develop more and more, showing more and more better games, better performances, it ends up attracting more and more people. You start to really invest, which also attracts the attention of fans, the press and sponsors. Then you start to create a favourable environment so that they can continue to grow the way they are growing.”
Arsenal are currently 3rd in the WSL, currently staying behind Manchester City and Chelsea. Their next challenge is on Sunday, when they play Bristol City.
