Sarina Wiegman: I am very caring but that’s not very helpful in this job

Sarina Wiegman says she tries to be ‘honest and clear about things’ - PA/Bradley Collyer

The perception of England manager Sarina Wiegman is that she is direct, straight-talking and, by her own admission, someone who does not beat around the bush. But there is a side to Wiegman that she keeps deliberately private – from the public and, specifically, from her players.

Wiegman, who has been in charge of the Lionesses since 2021 and is preparing for her third major tournament as manager, says she has a maternal side that she has to suppress.

“I am actually very caring and that’s often not very helpful in this job,” Wiegman says. “I want to take care of people but I have a job where I have to make hard decisions. Then I, as a former player and maybe as a mum, I’m trying to not put myself in their shoes and think, ‘Oh, they must feel horrible’ because I have to shut that out for that moment.

“That is one of the most difficult parts of the job because it’s not the nicest part but I have to give that clarity – because that is my job.”

The shock retirement of goalkeeper Mary Earps has contributed to be a turbulent build-up to Euro 2025 for Wiegman and her squad - Getty Images/Marc Atkins

Wiegman had some difficult conversations with players in the build-up to this summer’s European Championship in Switzerland and they led to a far more turbulent build-up to this tournament than for Euro 2022, which England won, and the 2023 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up.

Long-serving goalkeeper Mary Earps was told that she would not be the No 1 for this tournament, with Hannah Hampton starting instead. That prompted Earps to retire, a decision which shocked Wiegman and her team-mates. Wiegman has not revealed the details of her conversation with Earps or indeed others but says it is better for players to know where they stand, even if they do not like the outcome.

“When I have conversations with players, I think it’s really important to have clarity,” she says. “Especially now closer to the tournament that I give clarity that tomorrow things could change like [clicks fingers].

“Clarity is, ‘OK, this is where I am, this is my job and this, this, this’. I try to do that before a game. There are also moments in friendlies where you don’t want clarity so they can compete for the spot. The clarity is you don’t want clarity! Then you move on. What I try to do is give them as much information as possible.

“The players call that direct but do not confuse that with being blunt. I am not blunt – well, I hope not. I am trying to be honest and clear about things to give them context.”

Lucy Bronze says Wiegman has become a more flexible manager in recent years - Getty Images/Ben Roberts

Lucy Bronze, who is preparing for her seventh major tournament with the Lionesses, believes Wiegman has relaxed since taking over as manager four years ago.

“I think her flexibility as a manager has definitely changed,” Bronze says. “She came in with a few more rules set in place, she was the manager and the boss and we all respected Sarina for that reason.

“Over the years, her getting to know the team and the dynamics of each player, gaining trust with players, you can see how she’s changed a little bit. It’s a good thing she’s adapted with the way that the team has adapted.”

Wiegman told players to stop wearing jewellery if it interfered with fitness-monitoring devices when she first arrived in September 2021 but insists she in fact “hates rules” and has changed her outlook over the years.

“On and off the pitch the game has changed so much that I have to adapt too. People sometimes say I don’t change. I think my values won’t change but I have to adapt to new situations and figure out, ‘OK, what’s best for the team now to help them to be at their best as a team and as individuals too’.

“My approach is the same, I just worry a little bit less. In the beginning I wanted to solve everything but as a coach you just have to let go sometimes and let things solve themselves.”

The Prince of Wales chats with Wiegman at St George’s Park prior to England’s departure for the Euros - Kensington Palace/Andrew Parsons

That is also the case when it comes to potential conflict or having open and honest conversations within a team environment. She adds: “I always try to compare it with your family. In your family, you sometimes have a conflict or a discussion, that’s completely normal. I think you need to have those discussions, share what you feel.

“We all know that we want to go forward to the highest level. We also know we need each other, so have the conversation and move on.”

Wiegman may be direct but she is also a winner. She has won the last two European Championships, first with the Netherlands in 2017 and then England three years ago. Retaining her European title with the Lionesses will not be easy but she is by far the most experienced manager at the tournament.

“You’re just trying to bring the team together and try to get everyone in the best possible way that they perform at their highest level,” she says. “And hopefully we can do that six games in a row.”

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