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Sarina Wiegman prepares for fifth major final

Wiegman continues to lead England with honesty and strength ahead of another tournament.

July 27, 2025 at 09:22 AM

What makes Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman so successful? - BBC Sport

Sarina Wiegman has become a prominent figure in women's football due to her unique leadership style.

Sarina Wiegman leads with honesty and strength

Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of England's Lionesses, is preparing for her fifth major tournament final. Her leadership style has drawn attention for its straightforward approach. Wiegman is known for her direct communication, even if it means delivering tough messages. For example, she dropped former captain Steph Houghton from the squad and informed goalkeeper Mary Earps about her position for Euro 2025 ahead of time. While many players appreciate her honesty, some, like Houghton, have felt the approach could be brutal. Midfielder Georgia Stanway noted that Wiegman is consistent in her treatment of players, regardless of their experience level. Players like Ellen White have praised her accessibility and support, citing regular conversations about performance and growth. In contrast, Houghton expressed disappointment over how Wiegman communicated her exclusion from the World Cup squad, suggesting that a face-to-face discussion might have been more appropriate given her long career. Wiegman's methods are clearly effective, but the balance between honesty and empathy seems to present challenges.

Key Takeaways

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Wiegman is known for her straightforward leadership approach.

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Players appreciate honesty, but some feel it can be harsh.

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Consistency in treatment is a valued trait among team members.

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Open communication is key for player support and growth.

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The emotional toll of direct feedback can vary by player.

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Trust in Wiegman's method may determine team dynamics moving forward.

"Sarina has always been direct, she always says it how it is."

Georgia Stanway highlights Wiegman's forthrightness with players.

"But she gets to know you, so you have that respect for her when you do have to have that difficult conversation."

Fran Kirby reflects on Wiegman's ability to build player relationships despite tough feedback.

"I thought that called for a face-to-face conversation given the career I'd had."

Steph Houghton expresses her disappointment over Wiegman's communication style.

"She's so approachable. Yes, she is the manager, but she is a human being."

Ellen White emphasizes Wiegman's humanity in her managerial role.

Wiegman's approach shines a light on the harsh realities of high-performance environments. Her directness fosters clarity but raises questions about emotional intelligence in leadership. Each player's experience reflects a spectrum of feelings varying from respect and admiration to disappointment and hurt. This dynamic is crucial in sports, where trust and morale greatly influence team performance. Wiegman's ability to manage this balance can either propel the Lionesses to success or create fissures within the team. As the lines between professional feedback and personal relations blur, the impact of Wiegman's style will become even more significant in the upcoming tournament.