Tommy Stroot, the successful women’s coach at VfL Wolfsburg, adds an important point to the “what men’s football can learn from women” debate. The 33-year-old no longer understands the world. Why is football wasting so many resources? His team can be a role model.
The women of German champions and cup winners VfL Wolfsburg are also concerned with saving energy and resources. “Sustainability is also an issue in our dressing room. There are many girls who come with their bikes instead of their company car,” said trainer Tommy Stroot. “In terms of sport, we’ll do everything we can, we won’t save any energy,” joked the 33-year-old. After two matchdays in the Bundesliga, the plan has worked so far: VfL won both games.
Stroot praised the diverse interests of his players: “I see a team here that, in addition to football, also deals with topics that I find very interesting. Some study, many also want to challenge themselves outside of football.”
Men’s football doesn’t always set a good example: Paris Saint-Germain star player Kylian Mbappé and coach Christophe Galtier were asked at a recent press conference whether a flight to Nantes, 380 kilometers away, was necessary. Both made fun of the question and received criticism for it.
Women’s coach Stroot was skeptical about the performance. But he doesn’t know enough about men’s football to know why a lot of things seem pompous there: “I would also like to know why things sometimes work differently in men’s football. Maybe also because maximum security is achieved too early and you have your first professional contract has no more worries.”
Criticism had also been raised after the performance of the PSG duo from the most aloof world of men’s football. The Union Berlin professional and climate activist Morten Thorsby did not hold back his displeasure at the thoughtless behavior of the two actual role models. “It’s a pity, but not surprising. We are most disappointed in the coach, he should know better. We would like Mbappé to do the same,” Thorsby told Norwegian broadcaster NRK in early September.
“The stars have to lead the way and set an example,” he added. Even football professionals “do not have to live perfectly, but they have to support the changes that we need for a green turn,” demanded the Norwegian.
