Guardiola and Wiegman Lead the Pack in FIFA Best Coach Nominations
The world football governing body said on Wednesday that Sarina Wiegman, the manager of England’s women’s team, and Pep Guardiola, the coach of Manchester City who has won three titles, are finalists for The Best Fifa men’s and women’s coach awards.
After City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League the previous season, Guardiola is a strong favourite, but Wiegman, a three-time winner, currently holds the title of women’s coach of the year.
When England advanced to the championship match of the Women’s World Cup, Wiegman led them to yet another significant finale, which they ultimately lost to Spain.
Jonatan Giraldez, who guided the Barcelona women’s team to the league title with just one loss all season and their second Champions League triumph, is also a candidate for the women’s coach award.
Emma Hayes, the coach of Chelsea, is the third finalist following another great season in which the team won both the FA Cup and the FA Women’s Super League.
Hayes is scheduled to depart from Chelsea in May in order to assume leadership of the US women’s national team.
Simone Inzaghi, who guided Inter Milan to the Champions League final and the Coppa Italia, competes alongside Guardiola in the men’s division.
Luciano Spalletti, who helped Napoli win the Serie A championship with five games remaining, is the third finalist. Napoli had a 33-year Scudetto drought.
The winners will be announced in London on January 15.