Jon Barker was at Arsenal Women’s media day, where he had the opportunity to speak with new signing Géraldine Reuteler following her move to north London. The Swiss international discussed her excitement at taking on a new challenge with the Gunners after bringing an end to an eight-year spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, as she looks ahead to the next chapter of her career in the Women’s Super League.
The Switzerland international midfielder arrived in north London this summer looking for a fresh test and the opportunity to compete in what she believes is one of the best leagues in the world.
Reuteler had spent the majority of her senior career in the Bundesliga, but admitted the time was right to experience something different after eight years with Frankfurt.
“I just wanted to see something else,” Reuteler said. “I was eight years in Frankfurt, so it was a long time. I saw the Bundesliga for eight years, so I wanted to see another league.”
“The English league is one of the best leagues in the world, so I’m really happy to be here.”
Ambition and Opportunity
The midfielder revealed Arsenal’s reputation as one of the biggest clubs in women’s football was a major factor behind her decision, with the opportunity to join a familiar and ambitious environment proving attractive.
“Arsenal is also one of the best clubs in the world,” she added. “I think it’s a privilege to play here. I’m excited, I’m happy to be here.”
“It’s also a familiar club, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Reuteler also admitted she received a positive recommendation about the club, with fellow Swiss international and former Arsenal player Lia Wälti helping to sell the move.
“Of course, of course she did,” she said when asked if Wälti played a role in convincing her to join.
A Versatile Midfielder
The 26-year-old’s versatility is expected to be a key asset for Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers, with Reuteler describing herself as a box-to-box midfielder who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
“She told me I’m a box-to-box player, so I think I will fit into the system of how Arsenal want to play,” she explained.
Reuteler is one of several new arrivals at Arsenal with Bundesliga experience, and she believes the move to the Women’s Super League represents the next step in her development.
“I think the Bundesliga is also a good league,” she said. “There are a lot of good players, but I think the Bundesliga stopped a bit from improving.”
“I think England is always improving.”
WSL Challenge
Having not yet played in the WSL, Reuteler was cautious when comparing the league to her previous experiences but believes the move provides an opportunity to continue improving.
“I wasn’t playing yet so much, so I don’t know what the big difference is,” she said. “I think I will see.”
“I think the WSL is a bit before the Bundesliga, so it’s probably the next step for me.”
The midfielder says developing her game was one of the main reasons behind joining Arsenal, with the club’s high standards and quality of players providing the perfect environment to progress.
“I think I can improve everything,” Reuteler said. “There are so many great players. I can learn something from everyone.”
“The training is so professional and such good quality, and I think I can learn something every day.”
Competition For Places
Competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield is expected to be fierce, but Reuteler believes that challenge will help her reach another level.
“I think so, yes,” she said. “I was eight years in Frankfurt in the same environment and stuff, so it was not that competitive at the end because I knew everything.”
“Here it’s different. It’s competitive every day and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Settling In
After arriving in England, Reuteler has also been adapting to life away from football, with London providing a very different experience to Switzerland and Germany.
“I really like it so far,” she said. “It’s a big difference to Switzerland or Germany or Frankfurt. London is huge.
“I was once in the city and I really liked it.”
Away from the pitch, Reuteler has been enjoying exploring her new surroundings, spending time with friends and experiencing what London has to offer.
“I like meeting friends,” she said. “I also have some Swiss people in England, that’s really nice.”
“I like drinking coffee, going to new restaurants, going to the cinema, stuff like this.”
Emirates Stadium Dream
One of the biggest attractions of joining Arsenal is the opportunity to play regularly at Emirates Stadium, with record attendances becoming a regular feature of women’s football in north London.
Reuteler admitted playing in front of large crowds at the club’s main stadium was a major motivation.
“I think so. It’s really nice to play every game at the Emirates,” she said. “I think that’s a dream.”
“Where else do you have this? In Germany, it was not that often that you could play in the men’s stadium. I think this is really, really cool.”
High Standards
Despite only recently joining up with the squad for pre-season, Reuteler has already been impressed by the quality within the group.
“There is so much good quality,” she said. “Everyone plays on the right foot, everyone tries to help everyone.
“I cannot say that much because we just had one training, but so far it’s really cool.”
The midfielder has also noticed a significant difference in Arsenal’s facilities compared to her previous club, highlighting the professionalism throughout the setup.
“It’s a huge difference,” she said. “It’s just much bigger here than in Frankfurt.”
“Everything is a bit more professional. So many staff members, so everywhere is someone. That’s really cool.”
A Special Journey
Reuteler, who made her first-team debut for Swiss side Lucerne at just 15 years old, revealed her football journey began thanks to her brothers.
“Because of my older brothers,” she explained. “They both played, but just for fun. I always wanted to play football.”
“I always had the balls with me when I was a kid. I started playing with the boys until I was 14 and then I went to Lucerne.”
Now wearing the number 14 shirt at Arsenal, Reuteler is continuing a tradition that has followed her throughout her career.
“It is a special number for me,” she said. “I had number 14 at Lucerne and at Frankfurt. It’s my favourite number.”
“I was really happy because it was free.”
Ready For The Next Chapter
With a new club, a new league and a fresh challenge ahead, Reuteler is focused on making the most of her opportunity at Arsenal.
The midfielder’s ambition to continue improving, combined with her experience from eight years in the Bundesliga, gives her a strong foundation as she adapts to life in the WSL.
As Arsenal prepare for the new campaign, Reuteler is eager to embrace the competition, learn from her new teammates and play her part in helping the club challenge for further success.
