Germany, Monika Staab is considered "a pioneer and engine" of women's football. Former coach of Bahrain, FIFA instructor took over the reins of the women's national team of Qatar in February 2013.
In an interview with FIFA.com, the native of Frankfurt discusses this new challenge, the progress of women's football in the Arab world, the role model and Raul UEFA Women's EURO in Sweden.
Monika, what were your first impressions of the women's game, arriving in Qatar?
I had the opportunity to visit several times there before my appointment. I participated in a mission Cup in October 2012. To be honest, I am impressed by the progress of women's football in the country. The pioneering work as the Chair of the Committee on Women's Sports Qatar Ahlam Salem Mubarak Al Mana begins to bear fruit. Qatar has evolved socially and positive messages are now sent to women. I want to help the country to take a new step in the respect of the local culture. I found excellent conditions of work I came here. I am convinced that we can make things interesting in the context of the development project implemented over five years.
What do you do during that time?
During my career I have followed women's football matches in 63 different countries. Qatar has far superior equipment to what is done in most of the places I visited. Our goal is to exploit this advantage in the next five years. If we can create a well-structured league, the national team will benefit. For this, we must ensure that everyone understands that women's football can bring to the whole society has. The players of the new U-14 train every evening after school. These girls play a vital role because they show that football can be a part of everyday life. On the sporting front, we have already established milestones. Women's national team played its first matches abroad, during a recent trip to the Maldives. We conceded two defeats but the experience is priceless. Now our players are aware of the investment represents a shift at this level. We're looking forward to our first training in Germany.
The organization of the FIFA World Cup 2022 ™ does benefit the Qatari women's football?
We started some interesting discussions with the Supreme Committee, whose members seem to favor the establishment of an academy for women's football. This is encouraging, especially considering that women's football is a relatively new discipline in Qatar since there are only since 2009. However, much remains to be done, particularly in terms of visibility. The 2022 World Cup is a great opportunity to show the whole world the evolution of Qatar. This will have a very positive effect on women's football in the Arab world.
What is the deadline for the Qataris?
This is a very important project for Qatar. Qataris are passionate about football and we can already see that this sport has a profound influence on the Qatari society. For example, Raul performs an outstanding job as ambassador. It embodies European football but also important values such as fair play and respect. The Vision 2030 project for Qatar illustrates perfectly the expectations generated by the World Cup. I think this tournament can change things here, especially for women. Women have to play a more important role in the treatment of conflicts that could threaten the Arab world.
The presence of large international players could contribute to accelerate the development of football in the Arab world?
Raul is an inspiration to men and women. It's impressive to see a star of his caliber working so hard and show such humility. Of course, we'd love to see big names like Marta or Lotta Schelin share their experiences with our players.
Arab countries can it qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup ™ in the near future?
Women's football has seen a remarkable development in the region since 2006. Jordan is among the eight best teams in Asia and can still hope to qualify for the 2015 edition His presence at this level speaks volumes about the progress made since ten or 15 years. Palestine has a national women's team, which often occurs before a large audience. Overall, women's football is improving. Prejudices falling. At this rate, the Arab countries could compete with the best European teams in 30 years.
You currently attending the UEFA Women's EURO as an observer. What lessons do you draw from this competition?
This tournament marks a turning point for women's football. Teams like the Netherlands, Italy and Spain have yielded interesting results. There are still ten years, no one would imagined at this level. Other countries, like Germany, are beginning to understand that differences continue to shrink. As a passionate longtime women's football, I found this fantastic competition. The host country has done an exemplary job and the atmosphere in the stadiums is fabulous.
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