Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach of the England women’s national team, has shared her insights on dealing with the aftermath of a final defeat, drawing from her experience after the Lionesses lost to Spain in the World Cup final last year. In a message directed towards Gareth Southgate, who is currently coping with England’s loss in the Euros final, Wiegman emphasized the emotional toll such defeats take on players and coaches.
The Recovery Process
Speaking to reporters, Wiegman detailed the initial period of recovery following a significant loss. “It takes about three weeks [to recover from a final defeat]. It’s very hard, especially if you have given everything and you don’t win,” she explained. Wiegman acknowledged the dual nature of competitions where both teams have their strengths and desires to win, making the loss even more challenging to accept.
Dealing with Disappointment
Wiegman highlighted the importance of self-reflection and acceptance. “You are asking yourself, did we do everything we could to control what we can control and then you have to accept it. It’s easier to accept a win, but for me, it took a bit of time,” she shared. She advised allowing oneself some time to process the disappointment, recognizing that moments of reflection and second-guessing are natural parts of the aftermath.
Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment, Wiegman emphasized the necessity of moving forward quickly. “You push so hard and you want to win it so badly when that doesn’t happen, it’s a huge disappointment but at the same time you have to keep moving on. I started thinking about that very quickly after the tournament,” she said. Wiegman stressed the importance of preparing for future challenges and maintaining performance at the highest level.
Sarina Wiegman’s advice to Gareth Southgate underscores the emotional resilience required in the aftermath of a final defeat. While the pain of losing can be intense, the ability to reflect, accept, and move forward is crucial for both personal and professional growth. As Southgate navigates this difficult period, Wiegman’s insights offer valuable guidance on how to cope with the disappointment and continue striving for success in future competitions.