Jon Barker was in attendance at Arsenal Women’s media day, where he had the opportunity to speak with Chloe Kelly as the forward prepares for the new campaign. Kelly opened up about her determination to put a frustrating first season with the Gunners behind her, while outlining her ambitions to remain fit, improve her output and play a key role in Arsenal’s push for the Women’s Super League title.
The England international endured a stop-start season after joining Arsenal, with injuries disrupting her progress following her move from Manchester City. However, after a summer focused on rebuilding physically and technically, the England international feels ready to make a bigger impact.
“I think I needed that summer to work on myself physically,” Kelly said. “Obviously, a summer without a tournament was the time to do that.
“Last season was a frustration for me, being in and out with injury. Off the back of an amazing summer, I had big goals to do amazing things here at Arsenal in my first season, and I was a little bit disappointed that I wasn’t able to do just what I wanted to do.”
“But I know the club and the ambitions of the club is to go for the league this season.”
For Kelly, the main priority heading into the new campaign is ensuring she can remain available throughout the season and contribute whenever called upon.
“My main goal is, of course, to stay fit and fresh all season and look after my body and be ready when called upon, being at my best all season,” she added.
Embracing the Leadership Role
Arsenal have undergone a period of change this summer, with several experienced players leaving the club and younger talents stepping into the first-team environment.
Kelly believes she can use her own experiences to help the next generation, while also continuing to learn from those around her.
“I always try to lead by example in the way I hold myself both on and off the pitch,” she said.
“I feel like sometimes I don’t realise I’m 28. I get involved with the younger ones, me and Liv doing our dances and whatnot.”
“But I think I can learn a lot from those younger players in my position and also try to give them what I can from my experiences.”
Kelly highlighted several young players she believes could make an impact this season, including new signing Lisa Baum and academy graduate Jessie Gale.
She also praised the potential return of Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang following injury setbacks, with Agyemang having impressed on the international stage during the European Championship.
“Their careers really excite me,” Kelly said. “Seeing two young players that are Arsenal youth players coming up, it’s exciting.”
“Mish doing what she did on the big stage at Euros and hopefully at the back end of the season at the World Cup too.”
Title Challenge
After Chelsea’s long period of dominance in the WSL came under pressure last season, Arsenal were among the teams hoping to take advantage and challenge for the title.
However, Kelly insists the squad must focus on their own performances rather than looking elsewhere.
“I think take care of our own business,” she explained.
“I don’t really look too much at them and what they’re doing. Of course, they’ve been so successful in the league and you have to admire that. What they’ve done is setting the mark for the women’s game and pushing the women’s game forward.”
“But going into this season, we don’t look at anyone else other than ourselves.”
Kelly believes the quality within Arsenal’s squad is enough to compete at the top of the league.
“What we have in the room is good enough to win the league,” she said. “Every day we need to look at ourselves and what we can bring to the table on the training pitch and away from the training pitch.”
Focused on Arsenal
With the next Women’s World Cup approaching, Kelly is keen to put herself in the best possible position to earn a place in England’s squad.
However, she insists her priority is performing for Arsenal rather than looking too far ahead.
“Being present in the moment is important,” Kelly said. “Not looking too far ahead at the World Cup.”
“What can we do for Arsenal this season? What can we do this month for Arsenal? That is getting fit, getting ready for the season.”
“The World Cup is amazing, we want to be there, but I need to stay fit and I need to be playing well in the lead up to that.”
Kelly also admitted improving her goals and assists numbers will be an important focus this season.
“For me, my goals and assists are really important this season,” she added. “I’m going to make sure that I am ready.”
Pre-Season Preparations
Away from the pitch, Kelly has used the off-season to work on both her physical condition and technical ability, including individual sessions with coach Dan, who she has worked with since she was 16.
“The one-on-one sessions are really important,” she said.
“Working on things that you need in that moment instead of just the running. That’s not the fun bit. The fun bit is, of course, the football inside.”
Kelly believes that preparation has helped her return to pre-season feeling sharp, with a particular focus on improving her attacking output.
“In and around the box, in the high areas, that’s something I need to bring to the team in terms of my goals and assists, my output in games,” she said.
“Because ultimately, goals win you games.”
Growth of Women’s Football
The forward has been one of the key figures in the growth of the women’s game in England, and she believes the arrival of more world-class talent into the WSL shows the league’s continued progression.
“Seeing top players signing for teams in our league is the first step,” Kelly said.
“The growth of this league right now is incredible. You’ve got players from Barcelona just off the back of winning the Champions League coming to our league, which is exciting for everyone.”
Kelly hopes that increased quality will continue to attract supporters throughout the season.
“We don’t just want it at the start of the season and then it pans off,” she said. “The quality that is on display is important. Making sure that we’re doing well on the pitch to keep bums on the seats.”
The Arsenal forward also spoke about the responsibility players have to inspire the next generation.
“Trying to look at those younger generations of girls and inspire them every time I step on the pitch, whether that’s for England or Arsenal, trying to show those girls that it’s possible to enjoy and have a smile on your face, as well as competing at the highest level.”
One for the Fans
With Arsenal entering a new chapter, Kelly praised supporters for their continued backing and hopes the team can reward them with memorable moments.
“The consistency and the support that they bring week in, week out is amazing,” she said.
“Whether that’s away in Bayern Munich or at home at the Emirates or at Boreham Wood, hopefully we can have a lot of special memories this year together.”
As Arsenal prepare for the new campaign, Kelly’s message is clear: stay fit, focus on the present and help the club compete for major honours.
After a difficult first season in north London, the forward is ready to show exactly what she can bring to the Gunners.
