[ad_1]
England manager Sarina Wiegman has said she has “unfinished business” after signing a new contract until 2027.
Former Netherlands player and manager Wiegman started the role in September 2021 and guided the team to a first major trophy when they won Euro 2022.
England also reached the 2023 World Cup final, which they lost to Spain.
“I am so happy to have the chance to lead England through to 2027 after an incredible two and a half years,” said Wiegman, 54.
“Looking forward, we have unfinished business and I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will come easy.
“Our game is becoming so competitive at the top level. I relish that opportunity and can’t wait to start the Euro qualifiers, followed by the World Cup.”
Wiegman has also won two Arnold Clark Cups and the first Women’s Finalissima against Brazil, which was in April last year, during her time in charge.
Her assistant Arjan Veurink has also agreed a new contract extension.
“I am delighted he has also extended his stay,” said Wiegman.
“It is a fantastic job working with these amazing players and alongside great colleagues. And, of course, it is very special to be able to play a part in giving our fans such wonderful moments.”
Wiegman won the Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year award in August.
On Monday, the Dutchwoman was named women’s coach of the year at the Fifa Best Awards for the fourth time.
Her new deal includes Euro 2025 – for which qualification starts in April – and the 2025-26 Nations League.
It will also take in the 2027 World Cup if England qualify.
“We are thrilled Sarina has agreed to extend her time with us as we head into another significant period of international football,” said Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham.
“She has achieved so much through her outstanding work as a coach and leader, and there is more to come.
“The aim with our England teams is to be a consistent competitive force in major tournaments, and Sarina has helped us achieve that – building on what had been several years of positive progress.
“She has also been a tremendous ambassador for the women’s game, and English football in general. Her commitment to what we are trying to do to grow the grassroots for all and promote the Lionesses player pathway is there for all to see.
“Sarina is an inspiration to so many at home and abroad, and it is great that her time with us at Wembley and St George’s Park will continue.”
During the World Cup in August, Bullingham was asked why Wiegman’s salary was not on parity with England men’s boss Gareth Southgate despite her recent success.
He said she was “well paid in the market she operates” at the time, but was unwilling to release any fresh details on her new salary agreement.
“You won’t be surprised to hear that I won’t give you an amount,” said Bullingham.
“What I would say is we see Sarina as the number one coach in the world in the women’s game and we think that she’s paid accordingly.
“I don’t know what other people in other federations are paid, but I can say I think she’s paid accordingly.”
Asked if she feels valued, Wiegman said: “Absolutely.”
‘Exciting’ potential Hayes v Wiegman meeting
There is now a possibility current Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who will take over the United States’ national team in May, could face Wiegman at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
It would be a hotly-anticipated meeting between two of the game’s most high-profile managers, and Wiegman agreed it would be an “exciting” prospect.
Hayes has led Chelsea to four successive Women’s Super League titles and made the Fifa Best coach of the year shortlist – won by Wiegman for a second year in a row.
“You never know. It’s exciting, of course. I think her move to the US is a good one,” said Wiegman.
“For now, it is good that we work together because of [the England] internationals at Chelsea – we collaborate – but after May, we’ll be opponents. I wish her the best of luck… but not against us.”
Before Hayes’ appointment to the US was announced, Wiegman was one of the names linked with the job but Bullingham revealed no opponent was “brave enough” to offer her a job elsewhere.
“We didn’t receive any approaches for her. We made it really clear we wouldn’t entertain any,” he added.
“The main driving decision [in the new contract] was when it felt comfortable for Sarina. She had indicated after the World Cup it felt like the right time.
“It wasn’t driven by a tonne of external circumstances, it just felt like the right time. We wanted to continue until 2027 – and we’re delighted to do that.”
[ad_2]
Source link