# Jonas Eidevall on San Diego Wave and Arsenal lessons

> Former Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall shares how San Diego Wave’s calm culture and tactical focus helped them secure NWSL playoff quarter-final.
- Title: Jonas Eidevall on San Diego Wave and Arsenal lessons
- Summary: Former Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall shares how San Diego Wave’s calm culture and tactical focus helped them secure NWSL playoff quarter-final. Jonas…
- Keywords: jonas eidevall, san diego wave, nwsl, arsenal women, snappedown stadium, tactical focus, salary cap, sports, Jonas, Eidevall, San, Diego
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/21/jonas-eidevall-interview-san-diego-wave-nwsl-arsenal
- Published: 2026-10-21T11:36:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jonas eidevall, san diego wave, nwsl, arsenal women, snappedown stadium, tactical focus, salary cap, sports
## San Diego Wave secure NWSL playoff quarter-final
San Diego Wave have secured a home playoff quarter-final in the NWSL, sitting second in the table with one point off top spot.
## Eidevall’s calm coaching philosophy
Eidevall describes life in San Diego as relaxed with a slower pace, focusing on reading books, gym, and family time.
## Five-game winning streak
The Wave have a five-game winning streak in the NWSL and sit second in the table, one point off top spot with two matches to go.
## Player exodus in 2024
San Diego Wave faced player exodus in 2024 with Abby Dahlkemper selling to Bay FC, Alex Morgan retiring, and Jaedyn Shaw leaving for North Carolina Courage.
## Rebuild strategy
Eidevall focused on building connections and passing out from the back during pre-season, developing young talent like Melanie Barcenas and Kimmi Ascanio.
## Technical focus over athleticism
The Wave prioritized technical players over athletic ones, leveraging salary cap constraints to develop talent in a league dominated by speed.
## NWSL vs. European leagues
Unlike European leagues, NWSL teams face longer losing spells and limited rosters, requiring creative coaching solutions for injuries and player shortages.
## Arsenal lessons applied
Eidevall used his Arsenal experience to improve central connections, focusing on tactical adjustments for better player positioning.
## Playoff ambitions
The Wave aim to create special memories at Snapdragon Stadium, targeting silverware with a belief they can go all the way in playoffs.
## Key takeaway

Jonas Eidevall’s San Diego Wave, second in NWSL, aim to win NWSL playoff quarter-final after rebuilding from player exodus.