Coach Sarina Wiegman - 'Pep Guardiola of women's football'

As the only coach to reach four consecutive major finals in history, Sarina Wiegman is respected by both the Netherlands and England.

Wiegman rose to prominence in 2017, when she helped the Netherlands win the Euros. Two years later, she led her country to the World Cup final, this time losing 2-0 to the United States.

Wiegman's tactical talent and leadership ability caught the attention of the English Football Association (FA), who decided to sign a contract in 2021. The 1969-born coach did not take long to affirm his talent, helping England win Euro 2022, the first major title for women's football in this country. At this year's World Cup, Wiegman and her students are facing the opportunity to win the championship.

Weigman in the Euro 2022 final, as she helped England beat Germany 2-1. Photo: Sky Sports — Weigman in the Euro 2022 final, as she helped England beat Germany 2-1. Photo: *Sky Sports*

Born in The Hague, Netherlands, Wiegman showed her talent as a child playing street soccer with boys. At the age of six, she joined the ESDO youth soccer academy in Wassenaar, playing alongside boys. She also played for a local girls’ club, HSV Celeritas.

In 1987, Wiegman joined KFC '71 and won the Dutch Cup that same year. In 1988, while participating in the FIFA Women's Soccer Invitation, Wiegman was invited by U.S. coach Anson Dorrance to study at the University of North Carolina and play for the team. She was teammates with legends Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Carla Overbeck. Together, they won the NCAA Championship in 1989.

Wiegman later said that during her year in the US, she experienced top-level football, something that did not exist in the Netherlands, where female players had to work extra jobs to make ends meet. Back home, Wiegman inevitably found herself in a similar situation, working as a physical education teacher at Segbroek school. However, she did not lose heart. In 1994, Wiegman joined Ter Leede, where she won two Dutch championships in 2001 and 2003, and the Dutch Cup in 2001. In 2003, Weigman retired after becoming pregnant with her second child.

In 2006, Weigman began her coaching career, leading Ter Leede. She helped the team win a domestic double the following year. In 2007, Weigman moved to coach ADO Den Haag, participating in the Dutch Eredivisie championship. In 2012, she helped the club win the championship and also the Dutch Cup. ADO defended the National Cup title a year later.

Wiegman when he played for the Netherlands national team. Photo: PA

In 2014, Weigman joined the national team as an assistant. A year later, she took over as interim coach after coach Roger Reijners was fired. In July 2016, Weigman received her FIFA professional coaching license. Later that year, after national team coach Van der Laan was fired, Weigman was again appointed as interim coach and then became head coach.

One of the most striking aspects of Wiegman’s coaching style is her calmness and patience , even in crucial matches and pressure situations. This is considered a decisive factor in helping her overcome pressure from the media. Wiegman demonstrates the power of composure in leading her team to victory.

Weigman’s impact on her players is huge. Players often talk about the change in their team’s confidence and unity since working with her. Weigman’s influence extends beyond the field, allowing her to build strong relationships with her players.

In appreciation of Wiegman, the Netherlands awarded her the OON title - which is given to individuals who have made special contributions to society, art, science or sport. The British Royal Family also showed their respect by awarding her an honorary CBE medal, given to individuals who have made special and outstanding contributions to the community but are not British, the second most prestigious in their title system.

Weigman when he won Euro 2017 with the Netherlands team. Photo: Reuters — Weigman when he won Euro 2017 with the Netherlands team. Photo: *Reuters*

The World Cup, the only trophy missing from Weigman’s collection, will be a personal boost for her in Sunday’s final against Spain. Before the game, there were reports of the respect England would pay her after the tournament. There were calls for Weigman to be paid the same as her counterpart Gareth Southgate ($510,000 compared to $6.4 million). FA chief executive Mark Bullingham even left open the possibility of Weigman being selected to manage the men’s team. According to the Telegraph , the British Royal Family has plans to award her an honorary knighthood, the highest honor in the award system.

Whether successful or not, Wiegman is certainly a special phenomenon in the football world and deserves to be nicknamed "Pep Guardiola of women's football".

Quang Huy (according to Sky Sports )

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