As the Women's Super League title race heats up, Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey has offered a frank assessment of the challenge ahead, pinpointing a significant structural advantage for rivals Manchester City. In a recent interview, Caldentey highlighted that City's absence from the UEFA Women's Champions League this season grants them a crucial edge in the domestic marathon.
"The reality is that City, by not having Champions League football, has an advantage over the rest and is doing well," Caldentey stated. While emphasizing that Arsenal will "fight until the end" and still have games in hand to close the gap, she acknowledged the difficulty of competing on multiple fronts. Managing a congested fixture list is a classic challenge in elite football, and City's lighter schedule allows for more focused preparation and recovery—a factor that could prove decisive in the final weeks.
Caldentey also reflected on her own evolving role within the Arsenal squad, a personal adaptation that mirrors the team's need for strategic flexibility. Under manager Jonas Eidevall, she has transitioned from a winger to a more central, deep-lying midfield role. "I stopped playing on the wing and moved more into the middle," she explained, noting that the coaching staff encourages her to dictate the game's tempo.
She credits her Spanish football upbringing for providing a distinct skillset in the high-intensity WSL. "In England, it's all very frantic, very up and down... the composure we Spaniards have gives us something different," Caldentey said. This ability to control possession and pace is a valued asset as Arsenal navigates a demanding season, blending technical nuance with physical endurance—a balance every top athlete strives for.
Looking beyond club duties, Caldentey's focus shifts to the international stage, where Spain is set for a high-profile clash against England at Wembley. With qualification and top spot in their group on the line, it's another testament to the relentless schedule and peak performance required of modern footballers, a reality that underscores her comments about the taxing, multi-competition grind.