Sarina Wiegman says 'it's a matter of time' until an English men's team has a female manager

Sarina Wiegman thinks it is “a matter of time” before a female coach takes over at a men’s professional team in England.

Female managers have been appointed on a full-time basis at men’s clubs in France, but only Hannah Dingley has been at the helm at an English team when she was put in charge of League Two side Forest Green Rovers on an interim basis in July 2023.

Wiegman pointed to other industries in which women have high-ranking positions and believes the balance between male and female football coaches in the UK will eventually follow suit.

“I think it will happen, I'm not sure how long it will take but I think it would be good,” Wiegman told BBC Sport.

“I think it's a matter of time and that comes with the development of the game.

“Women are everywhere, women are head of countries and in business too. The balance of women in high-ranked positions, that should be a little more balanced between men and women.

“In football, we're not used to having women coaching men at the highest level.”

Female coaches are far more prevalent in the women’s game. Five of 12 teams in the Women’s Super League have female managers, but Wiegman says more needs to be done to encourage women into football.

“I think you have to have projects that are giving extra attention to it. We need more women in football, so you have to do extra things,” the 54-year-old added.

“What the FA is doing now with coaches coming into our environment and exploring is hopefully so they get inspired and want to stay in the game. We have to help them and encourage them.”

Wiegman took charge of the Lionesses in 2021 and led them to an inspiring European Championship title in 2022.

The Dutchwoman then took England all the way to the final of the Women's World Cup earlier this year before losing out 1-0 to Spain.

Such has been her impact there was talk she could replace Gareth Southgate as the manager of the England men’s team, but that is not on her radar at the moment.

“My thoughts now are totally not in men's football, my thoughts are with the women's game and what we can do,” she continued.

“I really love my job for the FA and with England. This is the highest level, I work with world-class players, in the best facilities and expertise around me for support. I am just really enjoying it.”

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