Portuguese coach not afraid to work in a ‘man’s world’.
New Clermont Foot coach Helena Costa spoke to the press for the first time since being named as the first female coach to manage a professional football team in the men’s game.
Taking charge of the Ligue 2 side in time for the summer transfer window, she spoke in flawless English of her determination to succeed in the job, and answer clearly the first of what is sure to be many questions about her coaching a men’s team.
“If I was afraid, or if I thought the players wouldn’t accept me (as a woman), or if I didn’t believe in my work, then I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
If her French is as good as her English then she’ll have made one giant stride in her new role as all eyes are cast toward Ligue 2 to see how she gets on.