Although Jill Ellis took home the FIFA Women’s Women’s Grand Prix for the second time, she was still emotional after the on Monday evening eve at the Teatro Alla Scala.
“Oh, it’s hard,” said the head coach of the USA and firmly grabbed the cup in their hands.
Ellis talked to FIFA.com about her FIFA Women’s World Cup ™ title, in which she received two coaching awards.
This is how Jill Ellis voted 🗳️
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) September 23, 2019
But what about everyone else? See who voted for who for #TheBest FIFA Women's Coach here: https://t.co/EqgLCVTi01#TheBest | #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/ombzJLVgJM
FIFA.com: Jill, how do you feel after being named the Best FIFA women’s coach?
Jill Ellis: It’s incredible; very special and really an honor. I am blessed to have it. I represent so many other people. It is incredible to win this award twice. Without the players and all the staff, you can not accomplish these things – it’s really a team award. My players had a great summer. I owe you so much.
It’s incredible to win a FIFA Women’s World Cup. Two victories in a row are historic.
It was unbelievably special. And both were very different. I had a much longer preparation for 2019, 2015 was a shorter time. Both were very, very special. I think this last one was difficult, just because of all the teams we had to fight against to win. Many really talented teams. But I had a great team and many supporters with us. It has made the journey something very special.
Can you choose a favorite moment from your time in France?
Many really cool moments. I think the evening at the Parc des Princes against France was unlike any game I’ve ever played in: the atmosphere, the stage, the home side play, the game against such a phenomenal opponent who has performed so well, that was a reminder that really stood out.
I think that Alyssa Naeher’s penalty [in the semi-final against England] was also one of those moments. They only knew, given the level of competition, that it would be difficult for us to be successful. It was remarkable to share these moments with our fans and my family, with the players and the staff and actually get the trophy.
Her run as a USA coach is over soon. What are your feelings about to end?
It feels good. It was the right decision. It was an amazing journey with a fantastic group of players. But it feels right – I’m ready to move on and face another challenge. It was a great privilege to be the coach of this team. But I’m ready to try something different now.
It sounds like retirement is not in your plans yet.
I feel too young to retire. I love the game, so I would love to be somehow involved with the game. I do not know yet what that will be. I did not really think it through. I have two more games and then I will stop and see what happens. Football is such a big part of my life; I can not imagine not keeping in touch.
Do you have the feeling that you are leaving an unfinished business?
No, I think this trip is more than just matches, medals and trophies. It’s really about moments. And I think there were ups and downs on this journey. I think the hard times and the great times are part of it, and I accept everything. There is nothing that I feel that I have not done. The journey is what it is and it was a great trip.
