Who Are Vlatko Andonovski’s Potential Replacements at the USWNT With Sacking Imminent?

The USWNT lost all their hopes of completing a three-peat as Sweden defeated them in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Megan Rapinoe stepped up for the team but failed to dispatch her spot-kick away. Hence, fans criticized her for missing the penalty as she was giggling after her miss. Although most of the criticism was on her, the US soccer fraternity also pointed out the tactical fragilities of Vlatko Andonovski. He uses a formation that doesn’t match the team, according to some, as they want a change. 

He signed a four-year contract in 2019, which was worth apparently $400,000 per year. As his contract expires soon, Vlatko has a record of 51-9-5 during his time here. Thus, five top candidates can be the fitting replacement for the coaching position. Considering the 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, the US hopes to complete a turnaround and aim for a gold medal performance. So who are the top five options on the list who are favorites to replace the Vlatko?

Top candidates for the USWNT head coach position!

• Sarina Wiegman:

Currently, the manager of England, she helped the team win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. When USWNT won the 2019 World Cup, Sarina helped the Netherlands reach the final of that same tournament. But as an England coach, she developed the existing players and completely transformed their careers. Presently, England is in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Unlike Vlatko, who uses 4-3-3 and is not flexible, Sarina prefers a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and a 3-4-1-2. She is malleable with her team’s formation. Thus, look intriguing for the USWNT if they hire her. 

• Emma Hayes:

If Sarina rules the national soccer setup, Emma Hayes dominates the women’s club soccer picture. The Chelsea manager won the last four FA Women’s Super League titles and took the English club to unparalleled heights. Hayes is another coach who loves to mix her team setup using 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, 3-4-3, and 3-4-1-2.

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Her blueprint consists of controlling the match and pressing adequately during the defensive phases of play. She helped Sam Kerr and Lauren James to improve under her belt. Apart from a stunning tactical nous, she has sensational woman-management skills. 

• Pia Sundhage:

Brazil faced a shocking exit in this year’s World Cup, and fans couldn’t believe what transpired in the competition. However, their coach, Pia Sundhage, remains one of the most prominent coaches in the women’s games. She completely transformed the USWNT side during her first spell from 2007 to 2012. She inspired the team to win two Olympic gold medals and took her team to the finals of the 2011 World Cup. Pia then took over USWNT’s nemesis, Sweden, and led them to a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Can they bring success back to the women’s soccer team?

• Futoshi Ikeda:

One of the surprising teams in this year’s Women’s World Cup is Japan. Fans want them to win and remain everyone’s neutral team to prevail. And the architect of their stunning form is Futoshi Ikeda. The sensational coach uses 3-4-3 or 5-4-1. Having three defenders, with the help of a pivotal central midfielder, will create a solid base, allowing creative freedom. On the other hand, the 5-4-1 helps them to drop deep and defend well, using electric counterattacks to score goals. After spending most of this time with Japan, the USWNT looks like a sensational option for the Japanese coach. 

• Herve Renard:

If you want a diverse career in men’s and women’s soccer scenarios, look no further than Herve Renard. The glamorous French panache posh man is the current manager of France. They have reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup and will play against Australia. Renard often wants his teams to play on the counterattack and presses brilliantly from the front. It helped when he managed Saudi Arabia and shocked Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the opening match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He can be a solid coach to sign and hopefully create a massive difference. What do you think?

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