Sarina Wiegman says female manager in English men’s professional football ‘only a matter of time’

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman believes it is only “a matter of time” before a female manager takes full-time charge of an English professional men’s team.

Hannah Dingley briefly took over at League Two club Forest Green Rovers in the summer, but on an interim basis.

Professional men’s clubs in France and Italy have previously appointed female managers on a full-time basis.

“I think it will happen, I’m not sure how long it will take but I think it would be good,” Wiegman said.

Speaking to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, she added: “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. [But] 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.”

Dutchwoman Wiegman, 54, became England head coach in 2021, leading the Lionesses to the Euro 2022 title and the World Cup final this year.

Despite suggestions she could succeed Gareth Southgate as manager of the England men’s team, Wiegman says she remains committed to the women’s game.

“My thoughts now are totally not in men’s football, my thoughts are with the women’s game and what we can do,” said Wiegman, who had a spell on the coaching staff of Dutch men’s team Sparta Rotterdam in 2016.

“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.”

However, Wiegman says the women’s game “cannot be compared” to the men’s and will only become equal with further investment across the sport.

Ensuring there are more female managers in the women’s game, by developing coaching pathways and creating opportunities, continues to be a priority.

Five of the 12 teams in this season’s Women’s Super League – the top flight of English football – are coached by female bosses.

As part of its ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ strategy for the future of women’s football, the Football Association has stated an aim for 75% of female coaches to be in manager or head coach roles.

“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,” Wiegman said.

“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.”