The Portland Thorns had their first in person press conference since Covid 19 changed the world in 2020. The occasion was the presentation of their new head coach Rhian Wilkinson (see Rhian Wilkinson takes over as Thorns FC head coach). Mark Parksons’ successor was introduced by the also new Portland Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc (see Thorns hire Karina LeBlanc as General Manager).
Karina LeBlanc GM of the Thorns FC
Rhian Wilkinson, has a lot in common with Karina LeBlanc, they were former team mates in both the Portland Thorns and the Canadian National team, their familiarity with each other is obvious, but there is no confusions in their new professional partnership, “club comes first”.
The two former international athletes share a rich past, LeBlanc was a goalkeeper, while Rhian led the defense, and while they had yelled at each other in the heat of the game, their friendship and admiration for each other, has endured over the years. Most of it all, they share a massive passion for football (soccer). A love for the sport that have allowed them to build their careers beyond their playing days into the management side of the sport, a world that is still a hostile environment for women.
During the hour long press conference, the joviality of their tone did not hide the seriousness of the commitment to their jobs. LeBlanc stated “I just didn’t hire my friend!”, Rhian Wilkinson was already in the top candidates list when Karina LeBlanc was offered the general manager job at the Portland Thorns, “she was in everybody’s opinion, the best choice for the job”. Rhian echoing the current NWSL reality, dismissed the idea that being a woman was one of the main reasons she was chosen, “I earned this”, in allusion to her rich experience as a coach that expands over three countries, Canada, England and the USA.
Rhian Wilkinson spoke about her admiration of the club, saying several times “This is a dream job”, alluding to the quality of the players, the passion of the fans, and the wining culture of the club, the club structure, and management of the club itself, “this is place to be”, Rhian emphasized.
The tumultuous moment that has been rocking the world of women’s football, isn’t a localized one, it’s a world wide reality, however, Wilkinson and LeBlanc see this moment in history as an opportunity for the Portland Thorns to help shape the future of the sport, and lead the world of women’s football for the sake of future generation of women, seeking a career in the beautiful game.
The role of former coach Mark Parsons, and his impressive accomplishments at the Thorn’s helm, work ethics, and his persona in general, was lavishly praised, by both Rhian Wilkinson and Karina LeBlanc. The former coach is still involved in helping this transitions, “We just messaged each other on Whatsup”, said Karina as to show Parsons commitment to the clubs future. Rhian understands very well she is following a very tough act. Earlier as she was claiming that she has indeed earned her chance at wheel of the Portland Thorns, she followed by saying “and I will have to keep earning it every game”.
Rhian Wilkinson clarified that she does not feel intimidated for the former coach accomplishments with the current squad, she is rather excited at the opportunity to coach the Thorns. She spoke of her role as to tweak the team to introduce her football philosophy to an already winning formula. “I love the team willingness to get the ball back”, and praised midfielder Angela Salem saying “I can’t wait to see what she can bring”. Rhian said she’d like to see the team play with more width, while praising the ability of the Thorns to play through the center, with players having the quality to turn and create danger. Rhian also acknowledged there will be changes in the squad due to the league’s expansion and that some talent will be lost, but she is eager at taking on the challenge of extending the club’s recent successful history.
The interview wasn’t without controversy, as the questions turned to the current moment of Canadian football enjoying success as the winners of the 2020 summer olympics. Rhian Wilkinson, her self a bronze medalist in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, did not held back, “it’s embarrassing”, “all Canadian who want to play soccer have to leave the country”. Canada does not have a women’s professional league, and as they do with the men in MLS (Major League Soccer), they do not have any teams playing in the NWSL. Rhian, went even further, “there is no future for women playing soccer in Canada, as for women who play field hockey, volleyball…”.
The interview touched on many more subjects, you can watch the press conference in the entirety at the Portland Thorns media site or clicking here.
