Former Arsenal youngster opens up on her exit ahead of Wales clash
VIBORG, WALES - 31 OCTOBER 2023: Denmarks Kathrine Kühl during the Nations League Group A match between Denmark and Wales at the Viborg Stadium on the 31st October 2023. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
For former Arsenal youngster Kathrine Kuhl, Friday night will mark her first return to these shores since she left the Emirates Stadium in January.
Kühl joined Arsenal from Danish side Nordsjælland in 2023, but had a difficult spell with the Gunners, only making 14 appearances in her time there.
Arsenal have an abundance of international stars at their disposal, but for the Dane, she never felt like she had a fair opportunity at the club.
Katherine Kuhl opens up on Arsenal departure
“Arsenal is a big club, and I love the girls and the staff there,” she said.
“They’re amazing and it’s a privilege to be with that group, because they are so far ahead of many other clubs.
“It was a difficult decision to leave. I never really felt like I broke through at Arsenal and I never felt like I got a chance there, so it’s hard to leave a club before you’ve had the chance to achieve something.
“At the same time, it was the right decision for me, because there was no more for me at Arsenal with the players they have, the competition there, and what I needed at that point. It’s been hard, but it’s good to be back in the UK, and when I’m here I do miss it a little bit.”
That point was further compounded at the start of this season.
Kühl spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Everton, and she helped push the Toffees away from danger. When she returned to Arsenal, she thought she might have a chance of showcasing her talents, but this wasn’t to be the case.
“It was very difficult to not get an opportunity, but this is also football. This happens to everyone, and it’s not a rare thing that a young player doesn’t get chances.
“It was a challenge for me and it was hard to not get the chance, because I felt like I could prove something. At the same time, when I look at Arsenal’s squad, there are so many good players and it’s such a good group.
“The competition was so high, and there just wasn’t any space for me at the time.”
This past January, Kühl’s time at Arsenal came to an end, and she moved on a permanent transfer to Italian side Roma.
A few months into her Roman adventure, the midfielder is enjoying life with her new club, and is enjoying playing football regularly once again.
“I’m really enjoying me time with Roma. I’m very happy to be playing some football again.
“It’s fun, I love playing in the games, and it’s good to have a smile on my face again, because it’s been a long time since I’ve been playing in important games.”
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Strong Start
As far as Denmark are concerned, heading into Friday’s clash at Cardiff City Stadium, they have had a mixed start to their Nations League campaign.
After an opening day defeat against Sweden, Andrée Jeglertz’s side responded with a fine win away to Italy, and Kühl believes those games show how well her team can respond to adversity.
“In the first game against Sweden we had some difficulties, but we solved those and that allowed us to play a good match against Italy.
“It’s exciting to see the progress we’re making, and if we have some struggles, we work on it straight away and we will look to show that tomorrow.”
Looking at the Danish team, there is a good mix of youth and experience. Alongside senior heads such as Pernille Harder and Katrine Veje, there are many players under the age of 25 such as Kühl, Josefine Hasbo and Sofie Svava, leading to some thinking they could make a splash at this summer’s Euros.
“We have a very exciting team with a good group of staff behind us too. I’m sure we can bring something to the Euros this summer, and we what we want to do is win some games and get out of the group. I’m confident we can do that.”
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Memories in Cardiff with Denmark
This won’t be Kühl’s first time playing at Cardiff City Stadium, as she was involved in Denmark’s 5-1 win over Wales the last time they were in League A.
That was Cymru’s heaviest home defeat for over ten years, however, from a Danish perspective, that 2023 win gives them plenty of confidence heading into Friday night.
“I remember the game very well, and I remember it was a really good pitch, so I’m looking forward to playing on it again! It’s good for us to know that we can beat Wales 5-1, and we have to take that with us tomorrow.”
Yet, this is a very different Wales team to the one the Danes last faced, and Kühl knows it.
The Roma maestro had plenty of praise for the way Wales play, and believes the game will be a tricky one.
“Wales are a very different team to what we faced last time. From what we’ve seen from the videos, they want to keep the ball, and they actually want to play football, and we’re looking forward to playing a game like that because they are the best types of games to play in.
“They have some good strikers and wingers too who like to go one-on-one and get crosses in, so it will be a tough team for us to face.”
