Two world-famous female coaches are moving into the spotlight of international football. One is extending her contract, the other is taking a job in Switzerland.
On Monday, Sarina Wiegman was honored as FIFA world coach in London. A day later it was clear: England’s national coach will remain with the “Three Lionesses” until 2027. The association announced the extension of the 54-year-old’s contract on Tuesday.
Wiegman has coached the England women’s national team since 2021. In 2022 she won the European Championships in her own country with the team. In the final, England defeated the German team 2-1 after extra time. At the World Cup last summer in Australia and New Zealand, Wiegmann and her team also reached the final, but were ultimately defeated by Spain 1-0.
“I’m so happy to have the chance to lead England until 2027 after an incredible two and a half years,” Wiegman said in the association’s statement. “Looking forward, we still have work to do and I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will be easy.”
England’s star coach also emphasized that she could hardly wait to prepare for the European Championship qualification and the World Cup in 2027. “It’s a fantastic job to work with these great players and great colleagues. And of course it’s something very special to help ensure that we can offer our fans such wonderful moments,” said the Dutchwoman, who has already represented her home country on the sidelines European Championship title in 2017.
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So while Wiegman continues to work on his own monument in England, a new era is set to begin in Swiss women’s football at the same time and with a view to the European Championship in his own country in 2025. Reto Gertschen has been the interim coach of the women’s team since November 2023. He had taken over the task from Germany’s former international Inka Grings. The association had recently announced its separation from the two-time European champion.
Now Switzerland has a new national coach. And she is one of the most famous personalities in women’s football. Pia Sundhage has signed a contract until the end of 2025. The association announced this on Monday evening. The 63-year-old already trains the top nations USA, her home country Sweden and Brazil. She won Olympic gold with the Americans in 2008 and 2012. In 2012, Sundhage was also named world coach.
“The signing of Pia Sundhage is another milestone in Swiss women’s football. She was immediately enthusiastic about our project to further develop the women’s national team and prepare our players for the 2025 European Championship in Switzerland,” said SFV President Dominique Blanc.
“A home European Championship is a unique experience. The Women’s EURO 2013 in Sweden is one of the funniest and most important experiences of my life on and off the pitch,” said Sundhage, who led Sweden to the semi-finals at the tournament in their own country more than ten years ago had coached. “The tension, the hope and the expectations are rising. It’s a privilege to be able to coach a team under this pressure. I love it.”