The Pauw Factor

Chris Brookes’ interview with the Republic of Ireland head coach, then leading their UEFA EURO qualifying group with two of their final three matches against Germany. A former Netherlands captain, Pauw led her country to an extra-time semi-final at their debut EURO in 2009 and, as technical director, drove the mixed-gender youth development and the top-tier Eredivisie Vrouwen that underpinned what came later. She says the Irish players have not had the same youth-football learning process as the Dutch now do but are further advanced than her Dutch squad was, and that her method is to emphasise what players can do so each can flourish. Reaching the 2016 Olympics with South Africa is the most fulfilling feeling she has had in football. She rejects the idea of national philosophies and speaks pointedly about the stories that cost women opportunities after tough decisions.