Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of the English women’s national team, has defended Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as the new permanent manager of the men’s team, amidst criticism over his nationality. Wiegman, who has achieved unprecedented success with the Lionesses, emphasized that a coach’s ability to get results is what matters most, not their nationality.
Tuchel’s appointment was met with backlash from some fans and pundits, who were concerned that a foreigner was taking over the reins of the men’s team. However, Wiegman believes that this criticism is misplaced. “You can’t pick and choose when it suits you based on a result,” she said. “The best coach will always be appointed. It’s not my place to speak on managers, but I know we’ve all been very happy with me.”
The English women’s team has had foreign coaches in the past, including Wiegman herself, who took over in 2021 and led the team to European championship success within months. Williamson, the captain of the Lionesses, praised Wiegman’s tenure, calling her “an honorary Brit”.
Wiegman also praised Tuchel, saying that he was “very committed” and had shown his abilities as a coach. “I hope he will bring success for England,” she added. The appointment of Tuchel marks the first time in 12 years that England’s men’s team has had a foreign coach, following in the footsteps of Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
As the Lionesses prepare for their friendly match against Germany, Wiegman’s comments are likely to ease the tension surrounding Tuchel’s appointment. Her own success with the women’s team has shown that nationality is not a barrier to success, and Wiegman’s endorsement of Tuchel could help to quell the debate.
