Sarina Wiegman, the manager of the England football team, expresses that the nation’s desire to win a tournament has been akin to a traumatic experience. Over the course of 56 years, competitions have consistently ended in pain, sorrow, and disappointment. However, last summer, the Lionesses triumphed, securing their first major championship. Wiegman reflects on the deep-rooted societal longing for victory, which she describes as almost traumatizing. She acknowledges the intense pride and overwhelming emotions that followed the win, deeming the experience truly remarkable.
The Lionesses’ victory over Germany, the eight-time champions, at Wembley garnered an impressive audience of 50 million viewers. The final’s viewership surpassed that of the 2017 final by more than three times. With the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Wiegman anticipates heightened pressure and scrutiny on the team. She acknowledges the high expectations and shares the team’s dream while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tournaments. Wiegman recognizes the strength of several countries, including England, as contenders for the title.
In April, England’s 30-game unbeaten streak came to an end against Australia, leading to an unfamiliar feeling of defeat for the squad. Wiegman reflects on the significance of the loss, noting that it served as a valuable learning experience and propelled the team forward.
Wiegman’s journey in football began on the streets of the Hague, where she played alongside her twin brother due to the absence of girls-only teams. She made her debut for the Netherlands national team at the age of 16 in 1986, eventually becoming the first Dutch woman to reach 100 appearances. As coaching opportunities in women’s football were limited at the time, Wiegman pursued a career as a PE teacher. She highlights the benefits of her teaching background, which provided her with knowledge in coaching methodology, communication, and team management. Wiegman credits her experience as a PE teacher for her development as a coach.
After the establishment of the Women’s Eredivisie in 2007, Wiegman secured her first full-time coaching role at ADO Den Haag, initially rejecting the offer when it was on a semi-professional basis. Following seven years at Den Haag, she became an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team and eventually took over as the head coach. In 2021, Wiegman joined the England team after achieving success with her home nation in the European Championship and reaching the World Cup final in 2019.
Wiegman emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the journey from the past to the present, while remaining grateful for the opportunities that have unfolded. She expresses gratitude for her current role as the England manager and the privilege of working at iconic venues like Wembley. While not taking anything for granted, Wiegman focuses on fulfilling her responsibilities and carrying out her job to the best of her abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about tournament trauma
What does Sarina Wiegman say about England’s desire to win a tournament?
Sarina Wiegman describes England’s desire to win a tournament as “like a trauma.” She explains that for 56 years, competitions had resulted in hurt, sadness, and pain. However, she also acknowledges the intense pride and emotions that followed the Lionesses’ first major championship win, considering it an incredible experience.
How did the audience for the Lionesses’ victory differ from previous finals?
The audience for the Lionesses’ victory over Germany in the final was a record-breaking 50 million viewers. This number was more than three times the viewership of the 2017 final, indicating the significant interest and support for women’s football.
What are Sarina Wiegman’s thoughts on the upcoming World Cup?
Sarina Wiegman acknowledges the increased pressure and scrutiny on the England team as they approach the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She mentions that the expectations are high and emphasizes the unpredictable nature of tournaments. Wiegman believes that England, along with other strong nations, is among the contenders for the title.
How did a loss against Australia impact the England team?
The defeat against Australia marked the end of England’s 30-game unbeaten streak and sparked an unfamiliar feeling of loss for the squad. Sarina Wiegman reflects on the significance of the defeat, stating that it provided valuable lessons and propelled the team to learn and grow.
How did Sarina Wiegman’s background as a PE teacher influence her coaching career?
Sarina Wiegman started as a PE teacher before pursuing a coaching career in women’s football. She credits her teaching experience for providing valuable knowledge in coaching methodology, communication, organization, and team management. Wiegman believes that her background as a PE teacher has greatly contributed to her development as a coach.
What is Sarina Wiegman’s perspective on her role as England manager?
Sarina Wiegman expresses gratitude for her role as the England manager and the opportunity to work in prestigious venues like Wembley. She emphasizes that she doesn’t take anything for granted and is focused on fulfilling her responsibilities and doing her job to the best of her abilities.
More about tournament trauma
- Sarina Wiegman: English desire to win football tournament ‘like a trauma’
- Record audience of 50 million watch England’s Lionesses beat Germany
- Sarina Wiegman: England Women’s head coach on high expectations and the next step
- England Women’s 30-game unbeaten run ended by Australia in friendly
- Sarina Wiegman: How being a PE teacher helped develop England head coach
