(Reuters) – The Best FIFA men’s coach and women’s coach awards finalists were announced on Wednesday, with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and England women manager Sarina Wiegman among the contenders, world soccer’s governing body said.
Guardiola is strongly favored after City secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles last season. Wiegman, a three-time winner, is the current holder of the women’s coach award.
Wiegman guided England to another major final at the Women’s World Cup, where they were defeated by Spain.
Another finalist for the women’s coach award is Jonatan Giraldez, who led the Barcelona women’s team to the league title with just one loss all season, while also securing their second Champions League crown.
Chelsea coach Emma Hayes is the third finalist after leading her team to win the FA Women’s Super League and the FA Cup.
Hayes will be departing Chelsea in May to take up the role of head coach of the United States women’s national team.
In the men’s category, Guardiola is joined by Simone Inzaghi, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League final and lifted the Coppa Italia.
The third finalist is Luciano Spalletti, who ended Napoli’s 33-year Scudetto drought by winning the Serie A title with five games to spare.
The winners will be announced on Jan. 15 in London.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
