- Wiegman condemns coach-player relationships as unhealthy and inappropriate
- England’s coach discusses Leah Williamson’s recovery and Euro 2025 qualifiers
- Concerns raised over Arsenal players’ hectic schedule and Australia trip
Female football players’ relationships with their instructors have been deemed unhealthy, inappropriate, and hazardous by Sarina Wiegman.
The England manager was responding to the situation at the WSL club Leicester, where the head coach, Willie Kirk, is under internal scrutiny following a relationship rumor with a player.
Wiegman stated, “I believe player-coach relationships are extremely inappropriate.” “That should not be accepted; it harms our health.” Our environment is strictly professional, performance-oriented, and safety-conscious at all times. Although unforeseen circumstances may arise, such conduct is unacceptable, and we should all be aware of it.
Several WSL managers have commented on the matter, with Jonas Eidevall of Arsenal and Carla Ward of Aston Villa describing coach-player relationships as “extremely inappropriate” and “unacceptable,” respectively. When asked whether the Football Association or NewCo, which will assume control of England’s top two divisions beginning next season, should prohibit such relationships, Wiegman responded in the negative.
She stated, “I believe it to be common sense… When it occurs, however, too frequently, regulations are required. That is something that I will defer to others regarding.”
Wiegman’s disposition became more upbeat as she discussed Leah Williamson’s reintegration into her squad for the Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
A vital central defender and captain of England, she has been sidelined since last spring due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury. Williamson returned to action for Arsenal in January after a nine-month absence due to a minor hamstring injury. However, he could not make the England squad named for the friendlies against Austria and Italy last month.
“I look forward to working with her again,” said Wiegman, whose squad will travel to Wembley on Friday, April 5, to face Sweden and Dublin on the following Tuesday to face Ireland. “She has made a remarkable recovery and is beginning to establish a rhythm.” Undoubtedly, she still needs to gain experience playing numerous games; however, she is progressing. Extremely pleased. “The squad is attractive.”
However, Wiegman would prefer that England’s Arsenal players—Williamson, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, and Lotte Wubben-Moy—were not scheduled to travel to Australia hurriedly on May 24 for an exhibition match against an A-League all-stars squad. This match would take place less than a week after the conclusion of the WSL season and only seven days before the start of back-to-back internationals against France. “I believe that the players and we face several challenges due to the calendar and the hectic schedules,” she stated. “The journey there surprised me.”
“Considering their hectic schedule, it would be detrimental for them to travel to the opposite side of the globe. Due to the brief duration, there is no opportunity to adjust. After they had completed a game, their England players returned to assist us in two matches against France. They will need help to perform at the highest level.
Wiegman could undoubtedly do without Arsenal’s trip to Australia in 2025, given that the Lionesses must finish in the top two of their Euro 2025 qualifying group to advance directly to the tournament in Switzerland the following year and avoid the playoffs.
Additionally, she had hoped to combine Williamson and Millie Bright in central defense the following week. Still, the 30-year-old continues to be sidelined by a knee injury that has ruled her out for months.
“I feel somewhat let down,” Wiegman expressed. We had all hoped for a rapid recovery, but she is taking her time to do the proper things to avoid further setbacks and return to full health. “She needs a little more effort to become strong in the gym.”
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While Millie Turner, a center-back for Manchester United, maintains her position, Maya Le Tissier, a fellow defender and clubmate, has been unceremoniously eliminated from the 23-strong group. “I have communicated with her,” Wiegman reported. “The topic of discussion has been the defensive line.”
Nikita Parris, the leading scorer for United with 71 caps, has once more fallen short of convincing England’s manager to reignite her once-thriving international career. With 23 goals scored in 23 games this season, Parris maintains that she has no intention of giving up hope for a recall.
Wiegman was more enthusiastic when discussing Jess Park, a Manchester City midfielder who maintained her position following two goals in last Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United. “She performs with great vitality and independence. “That position has tremendous competition, which is excellent news for the team.”
