It was an honour to be asked to help find talent for the men’s team and I am enjoying and benefiting from the responsibility
T
he buzz after I mentioned doing some scouting in the men’s game for Bayern Munich, during my appearance as an analyst on Swedish broadcaster SVT for the men’s team’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, is a bit of a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, I thought: ‘Why is this such big news? It shouldn’t be.’ On the other hand, I understand it and I’m happy there has been so much positivity and encouragement around it. I hope it widens people’s perspectives and helps break barriers for women working in men’s football, because I think we’re ready for that, men’s football is ready for it and it needs it. I hope it inspires other clubs to see it as a good idea. Why not give these opportunities to someone who wants them and wants to prepare for their career after football?
It’s all football: you’re watching the same game, the same dynamics and I think we can contribute to each other. One of the things that really impressed me was the reason behind Bayern wanting to get me involved. The head of scouting, Nils Schmadtke, said: “We know you’re going to offer such a good perspective. Yes, you are a woman and you’re from women’s football, but mainly you are an active football player and active football players always have a different perspective.”
