Sarina Wiegman gives her view on female managers in men's football
Sarina Wiegman believes it is only a matter of time before a female manager is given a job in the English professional men's game.
The Dutch coach has led the Lionesses to a period of unprecedented success since taking over in 2021, winning the European Championships and a Finalissima trophy, as well as reaching the World Cup final earlier this year.
Clubs in France and Italy have previously appointed female managers, but it is yet to happen in England. Earlier this year League Two Forest Green Rovers appointed Hannah Dingley to the post, but only during pre-season for a brief interim spell.
Emma Hayes, who it was recently announced will leave Chelsea at the end of this season, has consistently been linked with jobs in the men's game, although she is now set to join the USWNT when her time with the Blues ends. Wiegman though believes it is inevitable that at some point a female manager will coach a professional men's team in England.
"I think it will happen, I'm not sure how long it will take but I think it would be good," Wiegman told BBC Sport. "I think it's a matter of time and that comes with the development of the game.
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"Women are everywhere, women are heads of countries and in business too. [But] the balance of women in high-ranked positions, that should be a little more balanced between men and women. In football, we're not used to having women coaching men at the highest level."
Earlier this year at the World Cup, FA CEO Mark Bullingham said Wiegman "could do anything she wants" in football and said it wouldn't necessarily have to be a man coaching the England men's senior team. That led to suggestions that the Dutch coach could be a potential replacement for Gareth Southgate post-Euro 2024.
"If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men's game, that would be a really interesting discussion, but that's for her," said Bullingham.
Wiegman is currently trying to qualify for the Olympic Games next summer, where she would manage Team GB if requiredWhat are your thoughts on Sarina Wiegman's views? Share your response in the comments below
"I don't think we should view it as a step up. If she decides at some point in the future to go in a different direction, I think she's perfectly capable of that."
But Wiegman insisted she is happy in her current role, where she is aiming to take the Lionesses to the 2024 Olympics. She is also under contract with the FA until 2025.
"My thoughts now are totally not in men's football," she said. "My thoughts are with the women's game and what we can do.
"I really love my job for the FA and with England. This is the highest level, I work with world-class players, in the best facilities and expertise around me for support. I am just really enjoying it."
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