As the architect of the success of the Orange Women, Sarina Wiegman was presented to the English women last year. The Hague national coach also receives a lot of praise on the other side of the North Sea: under her leadership, the ‘Lionesses’ are top favorites at the European Championship in their own country. “It’s impressive what she’s done.”
It is during the preparation for the European Championship when Wiegman stands with a marker next to the training field at St. George’s Park, the impressive training complex of the national selections. Hundreds of children and parents stand in front of her with shirts and cardboard plates in their hands. They all want a signature from the Dutch ‘Boss’.
“Sarina is very popular,” said Emma Sanders, regular follower of the English women for the BBC† According to Sanders, Wiegman’s popularity is partly due to the fact that she is a woman. “A lot of people in England wanted a female coach because the two were male before that.”
But above all, Wiegman owes her popularity in England to the excellent results of the ‘Lionesses’ under her leadership: 14 games, 12 wins, 84 goals for and only 3 goals against. The 20-0 record win over Latvia was far above it, just like the 5-1 practice win over the Netherlands two weeks ago.
Due to the flawless preparation, England will start on Wednesday at a sold-out Old Trafford as the top favorite at the European Championship in its own country. That status is new for the ‘Lionesses’, who have never won a title. Thanks to Wiegman, the English believe that a prize is now really possible.
Sarina Wiegman is popular with the English public.
Sarina Wiegman is popular with the English public. Photo: Getty Images
‘She made everything come true’
Wiegman left the KNVB in August last year, because after winning the European title in 2017 and reaching the World Cup final in 2019, she was ready for a new challenge. Despite interest from the United States, she opted for England, which wants to make the European Championship a historic success in her own country. She took assistant Arjan Veurink to the other side of the North Sea.
“Expectations were high,” said English sports journalist Rich Laverty, who writes a lot about English women. “Someone was brought in who had won the last European Championship and reached the World Cup final.”
“It’s the same as in men’s football: if you bring in Josep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, people start to expect a lot. But she has delivered on everything. She has done everything well so far.”
Sanders: “When she arrived, it was clear what was asked of her: she had to win the upcoming European Championship in her own country. It was also the first question she received at her first press conference: are you capable of winning the European Championship? can you handle the pressure?”
“She has now shown that she can handle that pressure. I think that she has already won the European Championship once played a major role. She has calmed down and let the players play with freedom and confidence. It is impressive what she has done. did.”
Sarina Wiegman has not yet lost a game with the English women.
Sarina Wiegman has not yet lost a game with the English women. Photo: Getty Images
‘Everyone knows where she stands’
Wiegman made an impression in the Netherlands with her direct way of communicating and no-nonsense style. It is precisely this approach that is also catching on in England. “Everyone knows where they stand. No games are played and that takes the pressure off,” international Keira Walsh said on Saturday. The Guardian†
For example, Wiegman passed captain Steph Houghton because the 121-time international would not be fit in time for the European Championship. Laverty was not surprised by that. “If there was one coach who could have made that decision, it was Sarina. It suits her direct way of coaching. Sarina wants to win.”
Wiegman also asserts himself at press conferences, which are attended by dozens of journalists in England. “If she’s tired of a question, she’ll say it. And she doesn’t want to talk about individuals, just the team,” Sanders said. Laverty: “With Sarina it’s real: what you see is what you get† People here are impressed by that.”
“Sarina Wiegman will definitely get a statue if she makes history.”
“Sarina Wiegman will definitely get a statue if she makes history.” Photo: Getty Images
‘Sarina becomes icon with European title’
The big question is whether Wiegman can repeat her success with the Orange Women in England. According to Laverty, there is a lot of confidence among the English public. “England fans realize they have a manager they can trust. They know they can win a tournament.”
With a European title, Wiegman will become an icon in England. “She’s definitely going to get a statue when she makes history,” Sanders thinks. There is already a marble copy of Van Wiegman in the sculpture garden of the KNVB.
“England and big tournaments are not a happy combination: the men’s team has only won the world title in 1966 and the women’s team has never won anything. If they bring England a title, she will end up among the big names in English football history.”