August 20 – New England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegmann (pictured) believes she will be working with a “world-class team” when she takes over the role in September next year.
Wiegmann, currently the Netherlands boss, is to succeed Phil Neville after leading the Dutch to the Euro 2017 title and the 2019 World Cup final.
Speaking at her first news conference since her appointment, Wiegmann said: “Ten years ago there was no opportunity for me to be a professional coach and look where I am right now. With the Netherlands we have had a great journey so far.
“I am very happy that I have been the coach of the Dutch national team and that we can still play the Olympics but I think that when I can work after that with the England team, it is a world-class team and it is a world-class situation.”
Wiegmann knows she will be judged on results.
“England have such a good team that we can win tournaments. (But) You also have to deal with other countries who are developing very much too.”
Asked about a potential conflict of interest should the Dutch face an all-British team in next summer’s Olympic final, Wiegmann said: “I will be in charge of the Netherlands and I would do everything to win that game with my team. There would be no conflict of interest, not at all.”
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