Great expectations for the Swede: a new Nati era begins with Sundhage

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The information leaked during the Swiss Football Night in Casino Bern, organized by the Swiss Football League (SFL) and the Swiss Football Association (SFV). Pia Sundhage will coach the national women’s team. The players present are surprised. “It wasn’t on my radar, although it’s actually clear that it could be a problem,” admits Nati captain Lia Wälti. “Sundhage brings a lot of international experience, which is certainly good for us,” says Wälti.

She does not know the Swede personally. “But I trust the association that she is the right person for us.” You and the player council were not involved in the decision.

With Sundhage, the SFV brings one of the most renowned trainers on board. The 63-year-old knows women’s football inside and out and is widely recognized worldwide. As a player, she was part of the Swedish national team for almost two decades, played 146 international matches (71 goals) and won the European Championship title with the Scandinavians in 1984.

As a coach, the gifted striker was even more successful. The highlight was her almost five-year stint with the American association, during which she led the US to two Olympic victories (2008, 2012). Four years later, she reached the Olympic finals again with her home country Sweden, but was denied a hat-trick of titles.

Less success with Brazil

Sundhage was less successful at her last stop. The collaboration with the Brazilian association ended prematurely in the summer after the World Cup when the team led by departing superstar Marta did not reach the preliminary round.

According to information from Blick, the SFV and Sundhage showed interest in working together from the beginning. After a turbulent autumn, the association looked for a long-term solution with the dismissal of Inka Grings and the interim solution Reto Gertschen. And one that works – after the attempt with Grings was declared a failure after just eleven months.

Sundhage was one of the few big names in the market. There was a first meeting a few weeks ago when the Swede was in Zurich for a FIFA workshop. Personnel was a priority from the start, even though the SFV also explored other options.

Score more goals, celebrate more wins

One reason for Sundhage’s commitment was the prospect of the home tournament in 2025. An experience she already gained in 2015 when she led Sweden to third place. It would be presumptuous to expect similar success with the national team. But Sundhage isn’t taking on her role just to end her successful career.

Wälti also says: “We have something to make up for and show that we can do better.” In concrete terms, this means: scoring more goals, celebrating more victories. The meager balance in 2023 amounted to only two wins and ten goals in sixteen games, and in the Nations League they were relegated to League B. After all, the goal was achieved with the round of 16 at the World Cup in New Zealand.

Now a new era begins. “I hope we can come together and define a clear game idea that fits the players we currently have available,” says Wälti. She hopes for a positive year so that she can enter the European Championship year with confidence. The national team wants to inspire the fans there. “The goal is to light a fire,” says Wälti.

Source : Blick