When Wiegman became England manager, she took over a squad short on confidence and in a state of transition.
But she knew exactly how to bring the players together.
Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton recalls the new head coach turning one room at the team’s training base into a “massive firepit with beanbags, hot chocolate, the lot”.
In that homely environment, the players were encouraged to share their stories and create bonds with their team-mates.
“I think from then it changed everyone’s attitude and the atmosphere changed… you definitely felt closer to one another and we definitely all looked out for each other.
“We are just a massive family.”
Calm, clear and direct are words that crop up regularly when people are asked to describe Wiegman.
Striker Beth England calls her a “very good people person” but adds: “She tells us when things aren’t right; and she’s not shy to be savage and brutal when she needs to be.”
After plotting England’s victory at Euro 2022, many of the players commented afterwards how the coach had made their roles clear from the start – whether that was as a starter, a super-sub, or a squad player, they knew where they stood.
“She’s honest and up front and as a player I respect that,” says striker Alessia Russo. “It’s nice to have an honest conversation.
“She is a winner. She sets the standards so high in training and she leads with real class. It’s great for us because it’s so competitive and everyone is so focused on one goal but away from the pitch she let’s us relax which is so important. She makes camp a really fun place to be.”
Baroness Sue Campbell, the director of women’s football at the Football Association, said they knew they were getting a great coach when they appointed her but didn’t realise they were getting such a “unique person”.
“She’s built a collective – not just among the players, but the team around the players – which is very, very special. I’ve not seen anything like it in all my time in sport.
“She is a quite remarkable leader and a very special person.”
