The Lionesses current gaffer, Sarina Wiegman’s coaching prowess has earned her status, and there’s growing speculation that she could be the ideal candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as the manager of the English men’s national team, according to former Spanish captain, Veronica Boquete.
As rumors keep growing about Southgate’s potential departure following his fourth major tournament with the Three Lions of England at Euro 2024, several coaches have been linked to the role. While Man City’s Pep Guardiola is among the FA’s reported targets, Wiegman’s name has emerged as a strong contender, notably after she steered the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022 and the World Cup finals.
Despite England’s recent setback in the Women’s World Cup final, where they were defeated by Spain, Boquete remains steadfast in her belief in Wiegman’s capabilities. The 36-year-old midfielder, who led her country as captain during the 2015 Women’s World Cup, asserts that Sarina Wiegman deserves a prominent spot in the conversation for Southgate’s potential replacement.
“I think this is going to arrive, there is going to be a moment where a woman will be coaching a high-level men’s team or national team,”
“She has already showed that she is a fantastic coach, that she has the knowledge, that she is a leader. So why not?
“What are they going to say? ‘Oh, no, she cannot be the coach of the men’s national team’ – Why not? She has already proved that she is great.
“For me, it’s about capacities and knowledge and if the players want to be coached by the best. If she is the best, they should give her the chance.
“Everyone would be supporting her because it would be something fantastic for football but also for society.”
Boquete told Stats Perform.
Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup win was covered by the controversial actions of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, who, following an incident where he kissed forward Jennifer Hermoso on the lips, has been provisionally suspended by FIFA.
This incident has triggered a strong response from 81 players, who have refused to represent La Roja as long as Rubiales remains in his position. Furthermore, head coach Jorge Vilda, who had previously faced a player revolt, was dismissed two weeks after securing the World Cup trophy.
Wiegman has gotten praise for her vocal support of Spain’s players while accepting the UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award in Monaco last week. Her empathetic comments resonated deeply with Veronica Boquete, further solidifying Boquete’s belief in Wiegman’s exceptional leadership qualities.
