Ex-Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall blames Vivianne Miedema exit on 'relationship with fans hurting the team' following return to work with San Diego Wave

The 41-year-old resigned from his Arsenal role in October after a poor start to the Women's Super League season. Ahead of taking over at National Women's Soccer League side San Diego, the Swede believes the Gunners' call to not renew Vivianne Miedema's contract last year led to his deteriorating relationship with the fans and that ended up "hurting" the team.

He told Sports Illustrated: "I think that when we didn’t renew [Vivianne] Miedema’s contract my relationship at the time with the fans was hurting the team. I thought [leaving] was the easiest quick fix for the team to be able to perform again. That was an incredibly difficult personal decision for me to walk away from, but sometimes you have to do that when it’s what you think is best for the team. I’m also preaching that to any team. I always preach [that] you have to do what’s best for the team. Sometimes you lose as an individual, but if everyone is committed to always making the best decisions, then everybody will win in the end, and this time it was my decision to take the most difficult decision. I think that was the right decision for me, personally and I think the team has been playing well, so I’m really happy."

Eidevall won two Women's League Cups with Arsenal during his three-year stint with the club. But the Gunners appear to be better off without him as they are flying high with interim boss Renee Slegers. But his contribution at the north London team will not be forgotten; as will Miedema's, who joined Manchester City last summer after seven years at Arsenal.

Eidevall is the long-term replacement for Casey Stoney, who was sacked by San Diego in June.

On this new role, he said: "I am honoured and proud to be named the head coach of San Diego Wave. This is a club with a clear vision for success, both on and off the field, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this talented team by the Leichtman-Levine Family and Camille Ashton. San Diego is a city with passionate fans and a vibrant football culture, and I'm eager to contribute to building a winning legacy here. Together with the players, staff, and supporters, I look forward to achieving great things and making unforgettable memories for this club."