England Women boss Sarina Wiegman is not thinking about coaching in the men’s game and is happy working with the Lionesses.
Wiegman has enjoyed great success in the women’s game, winning the European Championship with England last year and also guiding them to the World Cup final this summer.
The 54-year-old managed the same feats with the Dutch women’s team before taking over England and has subsequently been linked with coaching a men’s side.
Wiegman, however, is contracted to the Lionesses until 2025 and insists she is happy working with them and in the women’s game.
“You know what I think is that in football, it’s still the question of can a female coach a male team? I think in every sector females are in higher positions, so that’s a little bit strange [it isn’t in football],” she said. “I think a female can coach a men’s team.
“My thoughts are not there. I am just really happy in the role I work in now and I am really enjoying it.
“And, as you say, sometimes I think when I see it (the fame and scrutiny in the men’s game) it is so personal, also with men in the men’s game. I think, how much fun is that?
“We know Corinne Diacre coached a men’s team in France and more females also in Italy coached men.
“I think it is a matter of time and I think when the first one [takes a high-profile men’s job], it will be really big - but I think then more will follow.
“When I was a little kid I was not allowed to play football as a girl, but now everyone says: ‘Oh why not?’ Hopefully in 20 years we say: ‘Why did we think females couldn’t coach males?’ Hopefully that will change quickly.”
Wiegman mentions women coaching in the men’s game at the end of her new book, ‘What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership’, which is out on November 9.
“It’s absurd to even question or debate this, just like it’s absurd to question if a man can coach a women’s team,” she writes.
In the book Wiegman reflects on her journey, which she reveals began by cutting her hair short during her childhood to play with the boys’ teams.
Wiegman also looks to the future and explains how she could one day return to club management, although right now she is fully focused on the Lionesses.
“Right now, I haven’t decided if I want to continue being a national team head coach or switch to being a club coach,” writes Wiegman.
“I’ve had the opportunity to do both, and I enjoy them equally. But what I do know is that I want to work at the highest level.”
Speaking on Tuesday, Wiegman added: “I’m really happy here with the team, with the FA, I get all the support.
“I have so much expertise around me and I work with the best players and they’re so committed and really enjoying it. I have the impression that they’re still enjoying it too.
“I’m not thinking, things go so fast in football, time flies too, but I still have a contract for two years. I’m in a good place.”
As well as discussing her coaching career in the new book, Wiegman opens up about her personal life - specifically the death of her sister, Diana, on the eve of last summer’s Euros.
“When the book comes out and I talk about it a lot I relive the whole thing again,” said Wiegman.
“That is hard, it is sad, but at the same time it is nice too. I think about her every day.
“As well as my sister, she was my mate, she was my best friend. I miss her a lot, and it is hard, but she wouldn't want me to be sad all day.
“I have my moments. As I describe in the book it was the saddest moment of my life. It takes some time.
"I am just sad and disappointed we can't share things anymore, but that is also part of life.”
