Sarina Wiegman: The Greatest Female Manager in Football
Sarina Wiegman is a trailblazing figure in women’s football and the greatest female manager in football, celebrated for her tactical genius and transformative impact on the game. With a career that spans from playing at the highest levels to coaching elite teams,
Wiegman has set new standards in the sport. Her journey from a passionate young player to a pioneering manager is marked by remarkable achievements. Join us as celebrate the life and journey of the record winner of the FIFA Best Female Manager, Sarina Wiegman.
Manager Profile – Sarina Petronella Wiegman
Sarina Wiegman, born on October 26, 1969, in The Hague, Netherlands, is a renowned football manager known for her tactical brilliance and leadership.
Her early passion for football led her to play for the Netherlands national team and club Ter Leede. After retiring from playing in 2003, Wiegman transitioned to coaching, starting with grassroots teams before making significant strides with ADO Den Haag and the Netherlands women’s national team.
Her achievements include winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 and guiding England to victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, becoming the first coach to lead the Lionesses to a major title.
Sarina Wiegman: A Storied Playing Career
Sarina Wiegman, a name synonymous with excellence in women’s football, carved out a distinguished career as a player before becoming a celebrated coach.
Her journey on the pitch was marked by impressive achievements, significant milestones, and collaborations with some of the game’s finest talents.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Wiegman was born on 26 October 1969 in The Hague, Netherlands, where her footballing roots were planted early. She began her career with the youth teams of local clubs before making a name for herself at Ter Leede.
She continued to impress at the Dutch club, HSV Celeritas, where her performances caught the eye, leading to a pivotal move to the renowned Dutch club, FC Den Bosch.
Highlights and Landmark Achievements
Sarina Wiegman’s career as a midfielder was characterized by her exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and tactical acumen. One of her most notable achievements came in the early 1990s when she played a crucial role in the Netherlands’ national team during their European Championship campaigns.
Her leadership on the field was instrumental in guiding the Dutch team to significant successes, including securing a place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2000.
Among her landmark achievements was captaining the Netherlands in the 1995 Women’s World Cup, where her exemplary performance was crucial to her team’s progress.
Her contribution was not just limited to domestic success but extended to the international stage, where her strategic playmaking and midfield dominance earned her respect and admiration.
Legacy and Transition to Coaching
Sarina Wiegman’s playing career laid the foundation for her future success as a coach. Her deep understanding of the game, honed through years of competitive play, has translated into her coaching philosophy, where she continues to make a significant impact on women’s football.
Her career as a player remains a testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership, setting the stage for her storied coaching career and further contributions to the sport.
Sarina Wiegman’s legacy in football is built on a foundation of remarkable playing achievements and collaborative successes with some of the game’s brightest talents.
Transition to Management: Sarina Wiegman‘s Coaching and Management Style
Sarina Wiegman’s coaching and management style is characterized by her tactical flexibility, strategic insight, and emphasis on team cohesion.
She is known for her ability to adapt her tactics to exploit opponents’ weaknesses while maximizing her team’s strengths, often employing a dynamic and fluid approach to the game.
The Dutch manager fosters a positive and inclusive environment, prioritizing open communication and mutual respect among players.
Her focus on player development, combined with her meticulous preparation and adaptability, allows her to effectively manage diverse squads and navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and clarity.
Sarina Wiegman’s Management Career: Highlights and Landmark Achievements
Sarina Wiegman has carved out an impressive career as a football manager, distinguished by her tactical acumen and ability to inspire her teams to achieve remarkable success.
Wiegman transitioned from a notable playing career into management, where she has become one of the most respected figures in women’s football.
Early Management Career
Wiegman began her managerial journey with the Dutch national team, initially taking on a role as an assistant coach. Her strategic insights and leadership qualities quickly came to the fore.
It led to her appointment as head coach of the Netherlands women’s national team in January 2017. This role marked the beginning of a transformative period for Dutch women’s football.
Landmark Achievements in Management
Under Sarina Wiegman’s stewardship, the Netherlands achieved historic success. Her tenure began with a groundbreaking achievement in 2017 when she guided the Dutch national team to victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017.
The team’s triumph was notable not just for the victory itself but for the style of play and the tactical flexibility Wiegman brought to the squad. Her innovative approach earned her widespread acclaim and set a new benchmark for women’s football.
Sarina Wiegman continued to build on this success, leading the Netherlands to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Although they finished as runners-up to Jill Ellis’ United States superteam, the team’s performance was a testament to Wiegman’s tactical prowess and her ability to get the best out of her players on the world stage.
In September 2021, Wiegman took on a new challenge as head coach of the England women’s national team. Her impact was immediate, as she led England to victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, hosted in England.
This achievement was especially significant, marking England’s first major international tournament win in women’s football. Wiegman’s ability to adapt her tactics and manage a diverse squad played a crucial role in this triumph.
Influence on Notable Players
Throughout her career, Wiegman has worked with several notable players who have flourished under her guidance. During her time with the Netherlands, players like Vivianne Miedema, who is known for her goal-scoring prowess, and Jackie Groenen, who contributed significantly to the midfield, were integral to the team’s success.
At the England national team, she has overseen the development of key figures such as Leah Williamson, the team captain, Lauren James, Ella Toone and Ellen White, a prolific forward.
Sarina Wiegman’s influence extends beyond tactical adjustments; her management style emphasizes team cohesion, resilience, and a positive playing environment.
Her ability to balance high expectations with player well-being has been a hallmark of her career, earning her respect and admiration from players, peers, and fans alike.
Rivalries with other Notable Managers
Sarina Wiegman has developed several notable managerial rivalries throughout her career. Key rivalries include those with Jill Ellis, whom she faced in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg of Germany, with whom she has competed in European tournaments.
Before taking charge of England, Wiegman had a fierce rivalry with the England team, particularly highlighted by her victory over them in the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro semifinals.
As England’s coach, she has faced Vlatko Andonovski of the U.S., Tony Gustavsson of Australia, and Pia Sundhage of Brazil, engaging in tactical battles that have solidified her reputation as one of the top managers in women’s soccer.
Sarina Wiegman‘s Heroes and Inspirations
Sarina Wiegman’s coaching philosophy has been profoundly influenced by several key figures. Johan Cruyff’s innovative approach to football and tactical vision, as well as Rinus Michels‘ development of “Total Football,” have been significant inspirations for her.
Additionally, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s achievements and management style have provided further motivation. These legends have shaped Sarina Wiegman’s approach to coaching, contributing to her tactical strategies and leadership qualities that have driven her teams to notable successes.
The Personal Life of Sarina Wiegman
Sarina Wiegman is married to Marten Glotzbach, who is also a football coach. The couple has been together for over 20 years. Marten has an impressive background in football, having trained as a youth football coach and later becoming a Professor of Economics at Segbroek College.
He worked alongside Sarina as a coach for the Netherlands Women’s national team before she took the helm of England’s squad in September 2021. While Marten prefers to stay out of the limelight, his influence and support are well-known among those in football circles.
Sarina Wiegman and Marten Glotzbach have two daughters, Sacha and Lauren Glotzbach. Both daughters are passionate about football, with Lauren playing for the youth team at ADO Den Haag and Sacha representing Sports Club Monster.
The Wiegman-Glotzbach family prefers to keep their children’s lives private, and Sacha and Lauren maintain private Instagram accounts to enjoy a more normal life despite their parents’ fame.
Conclusion
Sarina Wiegman’s journey in the world of football is a testament to her unwavering passion, strategic brilliance, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From her humble beginnings as a player to her meteoric rise as a successful manager, Wiegman has consistently broken barriers and shattered expectations.
Her leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire her teams have earned her a place among the most respected figures in the sport.
As she continues to shape the future of women’s football, there is no doubt that Sarina Wiegman’s legacy will endure for generations to come.
