What's Happening?
The Chicago Stars, a team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), have appointed Martin Sjögren as their new head coach. Sjögren, who previously led Norway's women's national team, is expected to join the Stars ahead of the 2026 NWSL season in January. Currently, he is coaching Hammarby in Sweden's Damallsvenskan, with the Swedish season concluding in November. The Chicago Stars are currently in 13th place out of 14 teams in the NWSL, having won only one of their 15 games this season. The team has seen significant coaching changes this year, with Ella Masar serving as the interim head coach following the departure of Lorne Donaldson and Masaki Hemmi. Sjögren's experience includes a nearly six-year tenure with Norway's national team, where he led them to the quarterfinals of the 2019 World Cup.
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Why It's Important?
The hiring of Martin Sjögren is a strategic move by the Chicago Stars to stabilize and improve their performance in the NWSL. Sjögren's extensive experience in international women's soccer, particularly his leadership of Norway's national team, brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen to the struggling team. His appointment could potentially revitalize the Stars, who are currently languishing near the bottom of the league standings. This change is crucial for the team's future prospects, as consistent poor performance could impact their fan base, sponsorships, and overall reputation in the league. The decision also reflects the broader trend in women's soccer of leveraging international coaching talent to enhance team competitiveness.
What's Next?
Martin Sjögren is expected to take over as head coach in January 2026, following the conclusion of his current commitments with Hammarby. In the meantime, the Chicago Stars will continue under interim head coach Ella Masar. The team will aim to improve their standing in the remaining games of the current season. Sjögren's arrival will likely bring changes in team strategy and player development, as he implements his coaching philosophy. The Stars' management and fans will be keenly observing how these changes impact the team's performance in the upcoming season.
