Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Nils Nielsen as director of football for the club’s women’s team. The 51-year-old will take charge of coach and player development across City's first team set-up, as well as lead recruitment across the women and girls’ pathway.
Nielsen has a lengthy CV, having previously coached in Denmark, China and Switzerland. In 2017, he guided Denmark to the Euro final before they were beaten 4-2 by the Netherlands. That year, Nielsen was shortlisted for FIFA The Best Women’s Coach but was pipped by now-England manager Sarina Wiegman.
He will be supported by former City and England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, while head coach Gareth Taylor and girls’ academy technical director Jayne Ludlow will work directly under him. Nielsen will report to the women's managing director Gavin Makel, the club have confirmed.
READ MORE: 'What dreams are made of' - Evie Rabjohn to join Manchester United
Speaking on the appointment, Nielsen told mancity.com: “I am very happy to be here at Manchester City. Moving away from coaching and into a directorial role, it’s ultimately about making a difference and working closely with people across the whole set-up.
“I’ve always been incredibly passionate about the development side of the game – that has driven me throughout my career. Manchester City want to be pioneering, and that makes this the perfect club for me to be at.
“You don’t get it much better than here – you have everything you need to be the best you can be, and I know there are exciting plans to come. This is a club that will continue to grow, and that makes me very excited for what lies ahead in the future.”
READ NEXT:
"We broke out of jail", says Man Utd boss after a final-minute thriller against Aston Villa
- Attacking trio impress as Man City Women continue to hunt for domestic success
- Manchester United and Man City dominate the WSL title race - but only for now
- Manchester United keep WSL title dream alive with last-minute winner vs Aston Villa
- Gareth Taylor's honest assessment as Man City Women come from 1-0 down to thrash Reading
