Sarina Wigman has a chance to make history when her team takes to the field in Sydney on Sunday. Photo: Getty Images/Naomi Baker
Sometimes in life the alchemy is perfect and something powerful, maybe even magical, happens. The optimal balance has been found and ideal relationships have been created. This is the best way to describe what Sarina Wigman has achieved in English football.
She was drawn to England by the country's passion for the game, its deep roots in national culture and the importance of everyday life. It was this love of sport, its history and heritage that first attracted her from the Netherlands.
However, in order to succeed where many have failed, Wigman needed to display more typical Dutch qualities. A directness that cut through the noise surrounding the England national teams; harshness to dispel the cloak of «politeness» that camouflaged the fears and insecurities that were so insidious in the past.
Wigman has an analytical and keen football mind, but also understood that English football must silence internal doubts. More than anything else, she needed to relieve the pressure that had weighed so heavily on her shoulders, and get rid of the fear of failure that cluttered her mind.
“Now I understand English better? I think so,» Wigman said. “I was trying to learn a little more about the English language, sayings are sometimes difficult, so I try to learn a little more.
“I really think that… yes [I understand people a little more], but the English are very polite, and sometimes you say okay, are you being polite now or are you really saying what you mean?
“And sometimes it's about balancing because you don't have to be rough to be direct. So, I ask the players and staff, you can be honest, it doesn't mean that you are being rude. Just be direct. This is a Dutch trait. You can just say what you think and still be very respectful.”
England haven't won a World Cup since 1966, and even for these Lionesses, reigning European champions, that pressure built up by so many decades of near misses and miserable failures can seep into the team. Wigman's superpower is to block this, to erect an invisible barrier to protect himself, the staff and the players. she made an impression after she got a job in England, when she led her team to victory at the Euro. Photo: Getty Images/Lynne Cameron
«I don't hear that much [about 57 years of pain] because I'm coming out of the noise,» she said. «But I know he's there.
“When we started working, in September 2021, I felt that the country was so desperate to win the final of the tournament. Everyone was talking about it, and the players too. I thought: this is very real.
«If you want to win too much … What do we need to do to win, and how can we win? To get results, stop talking about [historical] results because we know what we want.
“I heard it again this week: 1966. Everyone is talking about 1966. we're doing our best on Sunday and trying to be successful.
“One more thing: football is very popular in England. It's like that in culture. It's incredible. So big. It's everywhere. It's pretty cool too.”
That's true, but Europeans have often spoken highly of English football culture. Wigman brought something new — the mentality of the winner.
«Everyone makes mistakes, but you need to act»
Playing football without fear is a phrase that is often used. It is usually used to praise teams that play with attacking flair and energy, but this England team does more than just that. They are organized and trained as a defensive unit. They also have a nasty streak. They can intimidate the team physically and the more they succeed, the stronger they get psychologically.
Much of this comes from the manager's approach. Fearlessness is created, it doesn't just happen. Players are encouraged to be direct and honest with each other, push each other and never look for or hide behind excuses. This is at the heart of Wigman's monumental cultural shift.
«I always see that they [the players] want to work really hard,» Wigman said. “Sometimes you even have to slow them down a bit. They are very dedicated and very eager to improve. The main difference is that sometimes they don't accept mistakes, so we say go and do it, and mistakes are part of football, mistakes are part of life.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but you have to act and accept mistakes, but act again. I always say that if you take action, you can do something phenomenal and then make a mistake. It can go both ways. I think it's a big difference that now everyone feels confident and comfortable just acting and everyone supports each other.» >
If the England team is not afraid of fear, then their team spirit and fortitude are the hallmark of their game. Like all good managers, Wigman places as much emphasis on the psychological side of football as it does on tactics.
“What I really enjoy is working with people and working with very ambitious and talented people,” she said. she. “It gives me energy.
“What is really nice is, for example, Katie Zelem. In April, I wanted to try other things [Zelem was dropped from the squad] and I saw it, and then she returned to the squad, she got into the squad for the World Cup. She had a very good game against China. She played very well and she is so good in the team on and off the pitch. I could give many examples for this. That's what I love so much.
Of course, sometimes you have to [give] very frustrating messages, which takes a lot of energy, but that's also part of the job. But to connect people, to try to help the players, to support the players and help them a little in their development, which helps them in life. That's what I like about working with people. And yes, I want to win and I also want to be the best, but it gives me energy.”
'There's still something in my private life'
Wigman is always respectful of the opposition, the clubs who have complained that she wants to work with the players for a month before England's opening game against Haiti, and the players. The most important thing is the players.
There are people in Australia who have not played a single minute in this tournament. No one would say a bad or spiteful word about her.
The most amazing thing about this is that the Wiegman is not soft to the touch. Comprehensive, supportive and encouraging, yes, but with rigid boundaries and a steel core. The 53-year-old woman knows what she wants and makes it clear what she expects from everyone, whether they start games or not.
Training is fast paced, serious and focused. No complacency is allowed, and passengers are not transported either. The English hotel has been deliberately given a resort camp feel, but they are here to work.
Wigman's warm public face belies a tough approach to work. Photo: Getty Images/Alex Pantling
That is why, when the formation was changed in the middle of the tournament, without the previous practice of playing 3-5-2, the players were able to adapt so quickly and effectively. Wigman paid tribute to her assistant Arjan Verink, which in itself says a lot. “In April, we had meetings with the technical staff, and then there was the last training camp … We tried to find ways to be unpredictable for the opponent. So we mentioned it afterwards, playing back three.
«At that time there were [sic] a lot of wingers in the team and we thought no, we stick to what we want to do, with form . Then, during the tournament, in the first two matches we fought a little. So, after the second match, Aryan came up to me and said: «Sarina, let's sit down, isn't it time to switch to 3-5-2?»
«I said, 'You're completely right, this is the moment. With the way the squad is formed and the players are available, we can get more out of them and their strengths in this form.” So we changed it.”
This will be Wigman's fourth final in her fourth major tournament as a manager. Her determination, hard work and management style have made England the most intimidating women's international team on the planet. And she did so while experiencing great personal grief after her sister tragically passed away last year.
“I’m a pretty positive person, but of course I have feelings too,” she said. the first hint of vulnerability in her voice. “But I am honored to work with this team. It was so great.
“Of course, there is something else in my personal life. When someone who is really close to you dies, you can't just say, «Oh, it's been two months now, he's gone.»
Wigman kissed her wrist in memory of her sister when England won the Euro last summer. All of England will hope they do the same again on Sunday as it will mean the Lionesses have beaten Spain.
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